Favorite Relax/Snack Spots in the White Mountains

While hiking, I can across many amazing spots this summer. I found them to be relaxing and I great place to take a break while hiking in the White Mountains. These spots where not just in one place but, I found a few is different sections of the White Mountains. I wanted to share a few of them with my hiking readers, so if you are hiking up a trail, you would know a place to enjoy a snack and relax for a few.

1. Shining Rock: this rock is found in Franconia Notch. This summer I found myself twice going out on it and relaxing as I enjoyed a beautiful view. The first time, my friend and I came across this place, many hikers where enjoying it. There is a few streams that come down the rock, which makes it shine in the sun. It is a great place to relax and enjoy a snack. You can find the Shining Rock off Falling Waters Trail.

Shining Rock

2. Cascades on Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail: These cascades are so beautiful. They are off the trail, of about .1 miles down but worth going to see. I just loved seeing them. There were a few places to sit and just watch the water flow down mountain. My friend and I, were very happy we took the time to see these cascades. These cascades are found in the Presidential Range, hiking up Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.

The Cascades

3. If you are on your way to see Arethusa Falls, don't forget to check out Coliseum and Bemis Falls as well. I took my mom up to see the tallest waterfall in NH, but at the same time, we went on Bemis Brk. Tr. to see the other falls and loved them. It was also great for my dog, for he got to drink water and relax along the way. They are so amazing to see, I loved the rock formations. It was like someone put slate down to make an ancient site. Next time you are in Crawford Notch, it's a must see and wonderful place to relax and take a break at!

Bemis Falls

4. The Air Line Trail is wonderful. I love it every time I hike up to Mt. Madison. When you get up past the trees, all you have an views! Lots of them. They are all around you and so amazing to look at. I always stop to take pictures and rest. So, if you are ever on the Air Line, take your time, enjoy the views around you and stop to take a break. It's worth it! Can hike the Air Line off of Route 2.

On the Air Line

5. Lake of the Clouds: These are two lakes up near Mt. Washington. They are right next to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut between Mt. Monroe and Mt. Washington. When I have hiked up Mt. Washington, I enjoy seeing these Lakes. They are very beautiful and still. Very relaxing to sit next to and enjoy the view of the valley below. The second lake on the way up has the most beautiful view of Mt. Washington and Ammonoosuc Ravine. 

Lakes of the Clouds..lake 2

6. One other place I enjoy relaxing by is Lonesome lake. This lake is so beautiful and has some wonderful views of the mountains near by. I have seen hikers also swimming in the lake and have a spot with tables to eat at. There are five different trails that lead to Lonesome lake so it's a great resting spot. Can find this lake in Franconia Notch.

Lonesome Lake

Well, here is just a few spots I enjoy relaxing at while hiking

in the White Mountains.

Happy Hiking:)

The 4000 Footer Club...With PICTURES:)

The 4000 Footer Club

So, on my way through the Franconia Ridge Trail, we meet a guy who is in the

4000 Footer Club. I have heard of this club before and have already started

writing the dates down in my book of the mountains I hike. He had already

done all the 4000 footers! I was so impressed! 

To be part of the 4000 footer club, one needs to hike all 48 peaks in the White

Mountains, 14 peaks in Maine and 5 in Vermont.

This year I hiked many places but I only got to hike 5 of the 4000 footers,

next year I hope to double that number and hike ten. 

Though its hard because I always enjoy my hikes and 

want to do some of my favorite mountains every year. 

I really enjoy hiking hiking Mt. Washington, Mt. Madison, and Mt. Liberty.

I know I have to adventure out and start doing some new mountains

next year, I am very excited about this thought! 

I hiked four of the larger mountains this year, all being over 5000!

Lets check them out!

 Mt. Washington 6288ft

Mt Lafayette 5260ft

Mt. Lincoln 5089ft

Mt. Madison 5367ft

and also..

Mt. Liberty 4459ft

I am hoping next year to hike Mt. Adams and Mt. Monroe 

and add them to my list.

...Plus a few others which I will be looking over during this winter.

Already excited about next late spring.

Happy Hiking:)

This winter I will be snowshoeing, XCountry skiing, and skiing in the
White Mountains so be looking out for some posts on those!
Plus more on hiking here, I sometimes go up Tuckerman Ravine
when there is snow to see the skiers!

Speechless Wednesday..Mt. Lincoln

Speechless Wednesday ... Mt. Lincoln

I know its Tuesday but I will be very busy tomorrow so 

wanted to up these pics up now!

I will be honest, I wasn't sure when I was really on Mt. Lincoln, 

It's located between Mt. Lafayette and Little Haystack but there is no

sign that lets you know that you are on it! So, we noticed looking back as

we walked the Franconia Ridge that we were on Mt. Lincoln! 

 climbing around :)

 Mt. Lincoln from the Franconia Ridge Trail

Mt. Lincoln from Little Haystack

Happy Hiking:)

Franconia Ridge: Mt. Lafayette Part 2

Mt. Lafayette Part 2

So, I ended with reaching Greenleaf Hut. 

It was a very nice hut, there were other hikers around and inside the hut. 

Most of the hikers showed up as we were leaving so I am sure it was 

even more crowded inside and around.

Here is a pictures of the Greenleaf Hut:

Remember that if you want to stay at the hut

you need to make reservations ahead of time!

 Here is the Hut before it got to crowded (morning)

Inside the Hut when we arrived there for a snack break and relax.

After we were down eating our snacks and resting, 

we got up and headed out. We started on the Greenleaf Trail.

This trail takes you to Mt. Lafayette. It is 1.1 miles. 

The trail is rocky, no trees and views all the way up!

It is very windy once above treeline so you need 

a jacket/windbreaker to keep warm.

Here are a few pics of the trail up:

This was taken about half way up the trail...

...and as we were going up, many hikers were coming down. 

It was close to 1:30 when we reached the top of Mt. Lafayette.

When we reached the top, there is a trail sign.

There were still many hikers out, talked with a few.

I enjoy meeting new people along my travels.

I love the markers. I always have to take pictures of them.

This one is on top of Mt. Lafayette.

We then eat again, and sat where it wasn't windy.

It was great just looking at the views of the mountains

around us. I always have a hard time leaving when I

get on top of mountain. But I was excited to hike the Ridge.

So, then we headed out again along the Franconia Ridge, 

here is a picture of me with Mt. Lafayette behind me!

Happy Hiking:)

Next part will be the Franconia Ridge and Mt. Lincoln

Speechless Wednesday - Mt. Lafayette

Speechless Wednesday - Mt. Lafayette

This is a view of Mt. Lafayette after we had passed it on our way over the Franconia Ridge

Happy Hiking :)

The Franconia Ridge -BucketList- crossed off Part1

The Franconia Ridge

I have always wanted to hike the Ridge for years. I think my first hike up one of the mountains (Little Haystack) back in 2004 and saw the ridge. From then on, I wanted to hike across this beautiful ridge, but I didn't want to go alone. This year I made friends with someone who wanted to hike this Ridge as well, and we had planned for a month now that we were going to hike this ridge before winter set in. On Oct. 10th, we we set to this adventure in the white mountains. I was so excited that I missed Lafayette Place parking, I had to go all the way around to try again, this time not missing the turn. 

We headed up a path that lead to this sign:

This sign is at the head of the Trail we started up .2miles which then splits by a small bridge. We went up the Old Bridle Path to get to GreenLeaf Hut. GreenLeaf Hut was 2.7 miles after the split near a small bridge.

Heading up the Old Bridge Path was easy at the start for about a mile or so, then after you make the corner near the Walker Cascades it starts to become a steeper hike. Though I would say that I found this trail to be a nice trail to hike up, very open and not rocky. After another .7 miles is when we could start seeing views. There were many stops along the way to the Hut where we found ourselves stopping and taking pictures. Here are a few of those pictures:

 Our first view on the Trail...I loved seeing the clouds roll over the mountains

 I had to take a picture of the Ridge we were going up,
the green arrow is the way

we are going to get to the Hut

 The view of Cannon Mountain (Cliff) from the Trail

I love this picture. This group was always near us along our adventure.

We called them the sixteen candles,
for the group had sixteen people and theblasted through the trails.
What a great view to stop and take a break at though:)

After trailing the Old Bridle Path for more then two hours, we came upon the GreenLeaf Hut. It was near a lake called Eagle Lake. This is the hut as we came upon it:

Happy Hiking

Next Blog: The GreenLeaf Hut, Greenleaf Trail and Mt. Lafayette

Mt. Pemigewasset (Indian Head) Fraconia Notch

Mt. Pemigewasset (Indian Head)

I really wanted to hike this mountain for two reasons. First that there are stories about UFO sighting and that the first alien abduction ever heard of happened right there! Second is that my parents went for their honeymoon in the area when they had gotten married. So I asked them if they wanted to go back and hike the trails with me. My mom can but sadly my father had already made plans to go fishing. I also took along my husband, stepson and our dog Stitch! The hike was a good steady uphill. The paths were muddy in some places but the path itself was nice. Of course it gets stepper as you get closer to the top. Mt. Pemigewasset is 2557 feet, and for someone who hikes a lot I didn't find this hike hard. My mom had to make a few stops but that was about it, to just relax. Now, when you do get to the top, the cliff can be a little scary to some people. I recommend having your dog on a leash when you get to the top. I have heard that I guy had almost lost his dog off the cliff, because it was chasing a squirrel. The view is beautiful. You can walk around and see different views. The hike itself was 4 miles long. We took the Indian Head Trail to get to and off the mountain. There is a parking place to park your car at the bottom near the Indian Head Resort.

Here are a few pictures of the hike:

If you see this sign at the beginning of the trail, then you at the right spot!

There are some large boulders that were dropped on the ice that had went 

through millions of years ago. My stepson loved climbing them!

The Cliff on top of the mountain, amazing views all around!

You can see Mt. Liberty and Mt. Flume from the Indian Head

Hope you enjoyed the Post and Happy Hiking:)

Speechless Wednesday...In the Valleys Below

Speechless Wednesday...In the Valleys Below

Some of my favorite Valley shots:

 The valley view from Mt. Liberty

 

 The valley view when hiking up Mt. Washington

 

The valley view from Mt. Madison

Happy Hiking:)

Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch

Arethusa Falls

Arethusa Falls is the highest waterfall in New Hampshire. It's approx. height is 176ft. There are a few way to get to the falls. I was with my mother on this hiking trip, so you got off of Route 302 at the parking near Arethusa Falls Trail. At the parking site they do ask for donations, you just put the amount you

would like to give in an envelope. 

Now when you start the trail you can head straight up to the Arethusa Falls, or you can take a small side trail called Bemis Brook Trail. This trail will then meet up again with Arethusa Falls Trail. On this small trail you can see the Fawn Pool, Bemis Falls, and Coliseum Falls. Then its a straight up hill hike to meet with Arethusa Falls. The trail itself was not to hard, you can tell that many people hike this trail to see the falls. There are a few small foot bridges and foot path is wide. It's about 1.5 miles to get to Arethusa Falls, but it is worth the hike. It's so beautiful. I just loved the pictures I took along the way to the falls and the fall itself.

 The Trail sign that lets you know which way to go, 

Bemis Brook Trail or to the Arethusa Falls

 This was the Bemis falls, I loved it! The place looked like ancient ruins.

 The rocks where like slate and went in a curve with the water

flowing in the middle. It was beautiful.

This picture just didn't do the place justice at all. It is amazing 

close up. This is the Bemis Falls.

 This is Coliseum Falls. Again slate walls, and pools...beautiful!

 Arethusa Falls Trail has nice small walk bridges and stairs in some places.

This is Arethusa Falls. So breathtaking when you are up close and

can see it with your own eyes. I would recommend that if you have

sometime and near the Crawford Notch area, check this Fall out!

Can we say "Muddy Trail...."

Happy Hiking:)

Speechless Wednesday Pics

Speechless Wednesday

I enjoy showing my pics and looking back at my hikes this past summer,

I have so many speechless views, that today,
I want to share a few with everyone.

I love hiking in the White Mountains, when I am high in the mountains,
I feel like I have felt earth and adventured into a new world. 

Here are some pics of the World I found myself loving this summer:

 Sitting back on Mt. Madison, looking over at Mt. Washington

 Looking back at the Path I just walked and seeing this view

I love this PICTURE!

Taking this picture of Franconia Ridge when I got to

the top of Little Haystack

Happy Hiking Everyone:)

Four AMC Huts I would like to stay at in the White Mountains

Four AMC Huts that I would love to stay at 

in the White Mountains

1. The first AMC Hut I would love to stay at next summer would have to be the Lakes of the Clouds AMC Hut. When I hike up to Mt. Washington I enjoy taking the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail so that I hike right up to this AMC Hut first. This wonderful AMC Hut is right by the two Lakes of the Clouds and have a beautiful view of the Mount. Washington Valley. I would love to wake up to a lovely sunrise at the Hut. I bet it is so beautiful. The Hut is right near Mt. Monroe and only about a mile from Mt. Washington. In side the Hut is a lovely eating area, rooms with bunk beds, and restrooms. Here is a picture of what the hut looks like and location:

2. Lonesome Lake AMC Hut would be another great place I would love to stay in when I hike next summer. It's right by Lonesome lake and you can see a beautiful mountain view of Cannon Mt. I also love that the bunk beds are in another building where there are separate rooms. The restroom is also in another building away from the sleeping rooms, and the place to grab some food is in another building a little higher up where you can see outside at the view. Then there is a place to eat and relax down by the lake. Last time I can up this Hut was packed, and many were swimming at the lake. Here is a picture of this hut:

3. One AMC Hut that I want to stay at, but never had a chance to see yet, would be Greenleaf Hut. This is right near Mt. Lafayette and the Franconia Ridge. I have only heard such great reviews about this hut and how wonderful it is to stay at in the summer months. I would be able to stay and do the Ridge which I want to do. I want to hike all the five Mountains in one day. It would be a great way to do all five. 

4. The Madison AMC Hut would be the other great hut to stay at in the White Mountains. It's was just remodeled this year and when I up to check it out, it was wonderful inside. The restrooms were clean, the eating area was big and the sleeping area is located on the other side. I love how this hut is right near Mt. Madison and also not far from Mt. Adams. Plus it is near lake Star which is a very nice small lake. 

Here is a picture of this Hut:

These huts are prefect for families, couples, groups and individuals. You will need to call for reservations in order to stay at these huts. The number to call is 800-262-4455. Enjoy your stay:)