Trail Report: Basin Cascaeds Tr/ Cascade Brook Tr./ Lonesome Lake

We started our hike at The Basin in Franconia Notch. There is enough parking and you don't have to pay to park. There is also parking on the other side and you cross under the road to get to the trail. At the same time you can also check out the Basin which is so beautiful in the summer. We started to head up the Basin Cascades Trail which is 1.1 miles long. There are some beautiful Falls to see, the Kinsman Falls and the Rocky Glen Falls.

Kinsman Falls

Rocky Glen Falls

After we past the falls we can across where the bridge is out. Last year we had a lot of rain in the New England that washed out roads and bridges. This bridge is still out and there is a sign that leads you to some rocks to cross the brook. You then are hiking up the Cascades Brook Trail for another .5 miles until you see a sign that tells you that you have .8 miles until you reach Lonesome Lake. the trail is very muddy and water sometimes runs in the trail when you get closer to the lake. We had on our H2O Bass shoes we got for some summer hiking. The water just runs through them and they dry quickly.

The sign to lets you know you have .8 miles to go

our awesome H20 Bass shoes

When we reached the lake, there were many hikers and visitors around. Many people come up to swim in the lake which seemed very cold to me, but you do get used to the temp after awhile. We took a break and ate at the Lonesome Lake Hut. It seemed they added a new addition on with some rooms. The trees were cut which gave a great view of the mountains.

The view of the mountains from the Lake

The newest addition with the view

The rooms in the newest addition

After we ate at the Lonesome Lake Hut we hiked around the lake which was fun. The lake is huge and you mostly walk on wood boards they put together to make a path. Its about .9 all the way around the pond and my stepson loved seeing the fish swimming in the lake and the salamanders.

Walking the planks...lol

The view on the other side of the lake

 The hike all together was great. It was 5.6 miles all together. It wasn't a hard hike. Mostly moderate and a mostly wet trail. Great for children! Happy Hiking:)