Three of my favorite trails in the White Mountains

I love hiking. When I get the chance, I'll hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Every year, when I hike, I find that there are some trails I enjoy hiking more than others. I have seen the views and look forward to seeing them again. I few trails in the White Mountains I have to visit all the time, each year, to get what I call "My fix". When I see the views, I almost go into a calming state and can just stare for hours without moving. Some of the views on these trails, make me feel like I am in some sort of Lord of the Rings Movie, I can see beautiful mountains that stretch on for miles. These three trails seem to always give me a feeling of leaving this world and being place in another. If you would like to trail on these trails, here they are:

1. The Air Line Trail: the journey up this trail is always exciting for me. It starts on Route 16, you can see a huge parking lot on one side that is normally full of cars. There are other trails that start at the same spot, but I always go up Air Line. I first hiked the trail back in 2004 and since then has visited it again over the years. I love when I get to the sign for the Alpine Zone. My heart starts beating faster because I know how amazing the views are up there. The trail rings around to the Mt. Madison Spring Hut and I seem to just take my time, I enjoy each step and stop to see all the views. this was the first time I felt like I was in Narnia or the Rings Movie. I was exploring a new world and meeting wonderful people along my way. Start of the Air Line trail to the Air Line Cutoff is 3.5 miles. It's worth the hike!

One of the first views you see when hiking up the trail

The mountain range

2. Another of my favorite trail to hike on is the Crawford Path. It doesn't seem to almost matter where on the Path I am, I just can't stop staring at the views. I really live the Path when I get close to Mt. Washington. You are so high up and you can see views from almost all sides. When I get closer to the top of Mt. Washington, I find myself turning around and taking pictures. My friends who hike with me say that it drives them crazy, for I am always stopping to see the views, but I can't help it! I am always in some sort of trance. So, as you are hiking from the Lake of the Clouds to the top of Mt. Washington, take a good look around, stop and breath in that wonderful mountain air, and enjoy the sights around you. I have to say, that is my most favorite part of the trail, which is 1.4 miles long.

On the Crawford path, looking back and seeing the lakes, mountains and hut.

3. I love hiking in Franconia Notch area. I have hiked just about all the mountains, but I got excited when my friend ask me last year to hike the Franconia Ridge. From Mt .Lafayette to Little Haystack we hiked the Franconia Ridge Trail which is 1.6 miles long. We had to make so many stops along the way for I needed pictures. My camera never seen so much use. Both sides the trail had great views but I loved the side that had no Parkway (highway 93). I loved the side where you could see the mountains stretch on for miles and miles.  If you ever have the chance to hike on this Ridge, it's worth all the views!

The view of the Parkway Valley

A view of the Ridge Trail and the mountains in the background

Now, I have many other wonderful trails that I love to hike and enjoy the views, these just happen to be my favorite so far. My adventures in the White Mountains are endless and every time I hike up, its a new experience. What are some of your favorite trails?

Happy Hiking!

Trail Report: Madison Hut and Mt. Madison

One of my favorite hikes is Mt. Madison. Back in 2005 I did this hike for the first time and then I have done it three more times since. It's a beautiful hike but is not easy. This is more of a moderate hike but the views will be worth the journey up the mountain. When you start this hike, its best to start at the parking on Route 2 near Randolph Hill. During the summer the parking fills up fast so get there early. Some people enjoy taking the Valley Way Trail up to Madison Spring Hut, but I prefer Airline Trail. It's easy at first but the trail gets steeper as you hike up. When you reach the sign that lets you know you have reached the Alpine Zone.

The Alpine Zone Sign

Hiking on the Airline Trail in the Alpine Zone

 Once you are hiking in the Apline Zone, you are above tree level. Here you will follow rock piles until you reach Madison Spring Hut. I love being above tree line for you get to see views all the way around you. Once you are over at Madison Spring Hut, you can go inside for restrooms and for resting. I enjoy a snack or even just have lunch inside at one of the benches. There is also a lake called Star lake down the trail for viewing.

Mt. Washington from Mt. Madison (sometimes you can see the cars driving up_

The marker on Mt. Madison

After a rest, hike up to the top of Mt. Madison, it is rocky, climbing over boulders at times but it will be well worth it! The views are amazing! I love seeing Berlin, Jefferson, Mt. Washington, top of Mt. Wildcat and more all around me. The hike will take about six to seven hours. After hiking back down Mt. Madison and back to the hut, I normally take Valley Way back down to the parking lot. It's not as rocky and hard on your legs. The hike it worth going up and if you want to see views...then this is the hike for you! Mt. Madison is 5366'

Madison Spring Hut

Inside Madison Spring Hut (have benches, bathroom and sleeping rooms)

Happy Hiking:)

Five White Mountain Pictures and Views

I enjoy hiking and taking pictures along the way. Here are a few of some pictures that I haven't shared yet, that I took this summer along some of my adventures through the White Mountains. Enjoy these wonderful views and pictures that I snapped:)

 I took this beautiful picture when I hiked the Airline at the beginning

of the summer. I just loved the way the valley was behind these rocks/boulders.

This picture was taken at Mt. Madison. I was looking over and saw the valley below.

I thought it was a nice shot!

 This was taken on top of Mt. Willard  of the Willey Range at Crawford Notch.

The lake here is Lonesome lake and I just loved the view from

this side of the lake. 

This is Mt. Washington. I have to say that every time I go by this mountain, no

matter which side of it I am on, I have to take a picture of it!

This side is when traveling through Crawford Notch:)

Happy Hiking!

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:)