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Hiking The Kedron Flume Trail in Crawford Notch

Kedron Flume Trail
Kedron Flume Trail

Kedron Flume is one of several picturesque hikes in Crawford Notch which sports some of the nicest waterfall hikes in the White Mountains. Located adjacent to the Willey House Historic Site, the Kedron Flume Trail is a short but steep climb up to a small waterfall, located along the sidewall of Crawford Notch. The trail also links the Willey House Site with the Appalachian Trail, providing thru-hikers with a quick source of snacks and ice cream, before they cross Rt 302 at the base of Crawford Notch and begin climbing Mt Webster at the southern end of the Presidential Range.

The trail crosses an active railroad line, so care should be taken when hiking with children
The trail crosses an active railroad line, so care should be taken when hiking with children

Leaving the Willey House, the blue-blazed trail climbs up to the passenger railroad grade that runs through scenic Crawford Notch. This is an active rail line, so care should be taken when crossing the tracks.

The Kedron Flume Trail continues to climb steeply
The Kedron Flume Trail continues to climb steeply

Once past the tracks, the trail continues to climb steeply. Care should be taken to follow the blazes because there are a few switchbacks and it’s easy to miss a turn and follow a side path. I managed to do this….because I was following the beaten down tread and not looking up to see the signs and arrows nailed to trees.

The Kedron Flume
The Kedron Flume

When you reach the flume, you want to be careful crossing it if you want to continue to the Ethan Pond trail junction, which is the Appalachian Trail. While the waterfall doesn’t drop vertically off the cliff (you’re at the top) the drop is sufficiently steep that you want to avoid getting close to the edge. Be very careful if you hike this route when it’s cold out, because it is very slippery when wet or icy.

It’s a short distance to the AT once you cross over the flume trail, but a steep scramble nevertheless. This area suffered extensive erosion from Hurricane Irene and trail repairs are still ongoing so expect mud on this section of the trail (above the waterfall) in damp weather. It’s definitely worth climbing the short segment to the AT, especially if you want to hike a short section of the trail on the way to the AMC Zealand Hut.

Kedron Flume Trail
Kedron Flume Trail (Click for interactive map on Caltopo.com)

Round trip distance of 3.2 miles with 1100 feet of elevation gain.

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps:

Written 2016.

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2 comments

  1. Is this near the spot where the AMC wants to build their new hut?

  2. I hiked this trail before Hurricane Irene with friends several years ago. Nice trail, and the kids loved it.

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