Madison Boulder, New Hampshire – Considered to be one of the largest known glacial erratics in North America, Madison Boulder weighs roughly 4,662 tons. It is 87 feet long, 23 feet wide, and an impressive 37 feet high. It's worth mentioning that the size of the boulder ranges from source to source. If you enjoy the geology of New Hampshire, this boulder is worth a visit. It is massive!
Located at the 17-acre Madison Boulder Natural Area, this natural area is at the end of Boulder Road, off of Route 113 in Madison, New Hampshire. In 1946, the state of New Hampshire acquired the land from the Kennett family, and the United States Department of the Interior designated the boulder a National Natural Landmark in 1970.
During the last ice age, glacial erratics of various sizes were carried long distances by glacier ice and deposited throughout New England; the glacier flowed south from Labrador through the New Hampshire White Mountains and New England. It is believed that the ice sheet was more than one mile thick in areas of the White Mountains. When the glaciers retreated some 10,000-14,000 years ago, large boulders, like Madison Boulder, were left throughout the White Mountains. Some experts believe that Madison Boulder came from Whitten Ledge (located northwest of the boulder), which is less than two miles away.
Interesting links:
Glacial Erratics Photographs
Trailside Hiking Scenes
Shelter Rock, Old Osseo Trail
Happy image making..
© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
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Bibliography:
“Madison Boulder Natural Area". New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/madison-boulder-natural-area/. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.