Baby Flume, Franconia Notch – Located on the Pemigewasset River, a short ways down river from the Basin viewing area, in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire is another natural feature known as the Baby Flume. While not as impressive as the Basin or the Flume Gorge, this little flume is worth visiting.
Since the 1800s, people have been visiting Baby Flume. During the late (and possibly mid) 1800s it was called the Young Flume, and before that it was referred to as Stone Flume. Frank Oliver Carpenter notes in his book, Guide Book to the Franconia Notch and the Pemigewasset Valley (1898), that the name Young Flume is a "meaningless name”.
The Baby Flume, pictured above during the spring of 2018, should be visited during the spring months or after heavy rains. When the water is running high, it makes for a great photo subject. However, visiting during times of low water may lead to disappointment.
In celebration of my latest book, Franconia Notch, which was published by Arcadia Publishing in May 2024, I will be writing about New Hampshire's fascinating Franconia Notch for the next month or longer. With the use of archival photographs (black and white), Franconia Notch explores the fascinating history of Franconia Notch during the mid-19th to late 20th century. Broken into six chapters, chapter one focuses on the early taverns and hotels that were once in the notch, and Chapter 6 focuses on the Flume Gorge; the in-between chapters cover the Old Man of the Mountain, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and more.
For more information and to purchase copy of Franconia Notch, see the book section of my website here.
Happy image making..
© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | Franconia Notch History
To license any of the color photographs above for usage in print publications, click on the photograph.
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.