PHOTOGRAPHY/HIKING Rocky
Gorge Scenic Area and the Lovequist Loop Trail
Click
Here For An Outline Of The Area
The Rocky Gorge Scenic Area and
the Lovequist Loop Trail are excellent
places to relax or recreate. Visitors may come to witness the scenic
beauty of a waterfall or take a short hike in a pine needle forest
around Falls Pond. Rocky Gorge has been managed for the preservation
of its scenic quality ever since its designation as a National Scenic
Area in 1937.
Location:
Nine miles west of Conway on the Kancamagus highway or three miles
east from Bear Notch Road.
Facilities:
Accessible restrooms, parking areas, trash dumpster and hand pumped
drinking water.
Geology of Rocky
Gorge: Rocky Gorge was once filled with a fine grayish
rock called basalt. The basalt that used to be in Rocky Gorge existed
in a molten state millions of years ago deep underground. Under
pressure, it filled and solidified in the fractures and joints of
the surrounding granite. Upward thrusting and erosional activity
brought the rock you see today to the surface. In fact, the powerful
abrasive wear of the water flowing across the rock over time has
caused the weaker basaltic rock to erode away. The stronger surrounding
granite remained leaving us an impressive waterfall and a narrow,
scenic gorge to view and explore.
THE LOVEQUIST LOOP
TRAIL
History: Named
in memory of a Forest Service employee. The trail
was built by the New Hampshire Conservation Corps in 1989.
Length: 7/10 of a mile
Average Time To Complete: 1/2 Hour
Difficulty: Easy walking.
Natural History of the Falls Pond Area: Falls Pond
was formed during the ice age when a narrow ridge of gravel and sand
drift (called an esker) was deposited by a retreating glacier. Beaver
activity has influenced the water level by raising the pond. It now
has an average depth of 11.5 feet with 17 feet as its greatest depth.
Fishing: The Swift River and Falls Pond offer fine
fishing of species such as Brook Trout. See the NH Fish and Game for
license fees and restrictions.
More on the Gorge
Area
...Due to the high risk involved
with wet, slippery rocks and dangerous river currents, swimming
is prohibited 125 feet above and 125 feet below the foot bridge
over the Swift River.
...The Rocky Gorge Scenic
Area closes at 10:00 pm and reopens at 6:00 am. No camping is allowed
in this area.
...Park only in the designated
parking locations at Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. Use the west entrance
of the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area to access the largest parking facilities
and restrooms. Please be aware that theft occurs at trailheads.
Leave nothing of value in your vehicle. Bring it with you!
...Local ordinance prohibits
consumption or possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages
at this site.
...Nonmotorized boating is
permitted on Falls Pond, but access and launch facilities are not
provided.
Need more info? Call or write
to us at:
Saco Ranger District 33 Kancamagus Hwy. Conway,
NH 03818 603-447-5448 (TTY: 603-447-1989)
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