Mount Flume anchors the southern end of Franconia Ridge, the long, rocky crest that defines the western edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Named for the famous Flume Gorge far below in Franconia Notch, the summit offers sweeping views of the notch, Mount Liberty to the north, and the broad Pemi basin to the east.
The most direct approach from the east begins on the Lincoln Woods Trail before branching onto the Osseo Trail, a roughly 5.6-mile route gaining 3,150 feet. The western approach via the Liberty Spring Trail, combined with the Flume Slide Trail, covers about 4.1 miles with 2,950 feet of gain; the slide section is a sustained scramble up open, water-polished slabs that demands confident movement and careful footing on exposed rock. Many hikers combine Flume and Liberty in a 9.9-mile, 3,750-foot loop, traversing the full southern ridge between the two peaks.
Snow lingers on the Flume Slide into early May, and the polished slabs become treacherous when wet at any time of year. The summit is rocky and open, with clear views on good days in multiple directions.
David Andre
