Lost River Gorge guides and visitors wore overalls while exploring the gorge in the 1900's.
North Woodstock, NH -- North Country residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the 100th birthday of the preservation of Lost River Gorge, Thursday, June 7, 2012. Located on Route 112W in N. Woodstock, Lost River is one of the oldest natural attractions in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
To mark this special occasion, visitors who arrive dressed in period clothing (early 1900’s) will receive free admission for the day, and individuals who bring something to show that they have visited Lost River Gorge during the past 100 years can take $2.00 off their admission rate. A free gift also awaits the first 100 guests to visit the gorge on this celebration day.
Special guided tours will be available to guests at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm along with two unique children’s hours at 10am and 1:30pm, featuring crafts, games and other activities (Parents are welcome to join too) and a birthday celebration with cake and ice cream at 12:30pm.
Lost River's General Manager Deb Williams says, “If you can answer a Lost River trivia question correctly at the end of your journey, you will receive 25% off your entire purchase of regularly priced items in the gift shop. And there will be giveaways and discounts in the gift shop throughout the day.”
The gorge and 157 acres of surrounding forest are owned and maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. In 1912 the property was acquired by the Society when its members learned the owner, Publishers Paper Company, planned to harvest the timber from the entire site. By that time the gorge was being written about broadly, and had become a notable attraction since its discovery in 1852 by two young brothers who were out fishing along Lost River.
According to Forest Society spokesman Jack Savage, "An agreement was achieved in which the owner donated the land to the newly formed Forest Society, and volunteers raised $7,000 to purchase the standing timber."
Lost River is the first and oldest of the Forest Society’s 174 properties it maintains as forest reservation. Savage says "The setting is ideal for the Forest Society since it offers a place where visitors can see the work of the organization and learn about the natural world of the North Country."
“Over the years, the number of visitors who have come to appreciate the site as a special and unique place has grown into the thousands,” Savage says. “It’s a cool place, and so many people have been able to enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience.”
In 1967, the Forest Society entered an agreement with White Mountain Attractions to manage the tourist site.
“For the last century Lost River has been an ideal place for people to connect to what makes New Hampshire special,” says Jane Difley, President/Forester of the Forest Society. “We value our partnership with White Mountains Attractions, which enables the public to continue to enjoy the wonders of the gorge while supporting our conservation mission.”
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves is owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and managed by White Mountains Attractions in North Woodstock.
White Mountains Attractions, founded in 1958, is the marketing association for 16 attractions within the White Mountains region, including Attitash, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, the Cog Railroad, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge, Mount Washington Auto Road, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale and Wildcat Mountain.
