Calenders of the White Mountains designed and taken by Ariel Snow

I love hiking! I love the mountains! I love going on an adventure through the White Mountains. As I hike, I enjoy taking pictures at every great spot, view, and lookout in the mountains. In the past few weeks I have worked on a calender for my house and at the same time wanted to make it public for others to put up in their homes to enjoy. My first degree was graphic design and I enjoy taking breathtaking pictures. In this Calender you will see beautiful photos of Mt. Washington, Lonesome Lake, Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, The Lakes of the Clouds and many more.

Come and check out this stunning calender and get one for your home to enjoy! 

Premium Calender $28.95

Standard Calender $17.95

These Calenders came be found on my Author's Spotlight called Adventure Shop:

 Click HERE

HAPPY HIKING! :)

Trail Report: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to Lake of the Clouds/ Mt. Monroe

This past Friday I went hiking with my wonderful stepson. We decided to do Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail up to Lake of the Clouds Hut and then to the top pf Mt. Monroe. This trail is located in the Presidential Range near the Cog Railway. We started at the Base Road Parking lot and headed up the path. It was very easy for the first 2.1 miles. Here is a few pics of the beginning of our adventure:

This is the pay station at the Base. I payed 3.00 for the day

The sign at the start of the trail: 3.1 miles to the Hut

My stepson loved the wood walking paths

Mys stepson asked many times where we were and when we were going to get to the top. He is eleven and loves to get to where he is going. He was fine up until we got to the Gem Pool. After that it gets steeper  and he was tired. We did stop at the Cascades/Gorge which he loved. It wasn't to long before we were above tree line and seeing some wonderful views. He likes when we started seeing the piles of rocks. He counted 13 of them before we got to the Lake of the Clouds where we took a break inside and ate.

The Gem Pool

The Gorge

Walking up the path to see Lake of the Clouds Hut and Mt. Monroe

We stayed in the hut for about twenty minutes. They had made some blueberry muffins and brownies so we had each one. The food is good and the price for each item are not bad. It only cost a dollar for each of our items. Plus they had soup for two dollars. After we headed up the path called Monroe Loop which is about .3 miles to the top pf Mt. Monroe. You can do the loop all the way around and connect to Crawford Path but we just went back the way we came up. For his first time doing a large hike he did a great job of keeping to the path and staying safe. I tried to guide he the best I could, I hope he continues to hike well after he leaves our home someday, and knows how to hike safely.
It is always wonderful when I see families hiking together and the children are outdoors. It good for everyone to enjoy nature at it's best!

Lake of the Clouds Hut: The food table it to the right:)

Mt. Washington, Lakes of the Clouds, and Lake of the Clouds Hut when hiking up Mt. Monroe

Me at the top of Mt. Monroe with Mt Washington in the background

The loop path below that also heads to the Hut

This hike is 6.8 miles round trip and took us around 5 and half hours to do. We had a great time and hope that you enjoy your next hiking adventure. 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:)

Hiking Mt Washington...Part 3

Mt Washington...Part 3

After hanging out around the Lakes of the Clouds Hut, we started up the Crawford Path, which is the 

oldest used trail in America that is kept up. We had about one mile until we reaches the summit. The wind had picked up and the clouds were getting closer as we went forward. The temperature went down fast and we were starting to get cold. Here are a few pics of going up the trail...

Here we are starting the trail and you can see the summit of Mt. Washington from the Lakes.

Here is when we were very close  to the top of the summit looking back at the Lakes and the Hut.

When reaching the top of Mt. Washington, it was cold, windy and the clouds were all around us. We couldn't see any views for awhile until there were breaks in the clouds. But, We went into the Tip Top House, and got a picture with the sign that states you are at the Summit of Mt. Washington. 

Here are a few pics...

 Here is the Tip Top House, It was used back in the day for hikers to rest the night when reaching the

summit. Now, visitors can go inside a look around. This was very interesting and a must see for those that

love the history of the White Mountains.

This is the marker at the highest point on the summit of Mt. Washington

Yep, I was trying to smile, but it was so windy and cold. I also wanted

something to eat, which we did after in the cafe. When you travel

up to the summit, you have to get your picture with this sign!

I thought this sign was very interesting...I love history of the White Mountains

Inga- This cat was my idol, she lived on top of Mt. Washington for Years.

Now a new cat Marty lives on top!

There is my hike up Mount. Washington :)

Can't wait to do it again next year!

Happy Hiking!

Speechless Wednesday! Mt. Washington -Part 2

Speechless Wednesday! Mt. Washington -Part 2

The Lakes of the Clouds

 

 There are two beautiful lakes that are near Mt. Washington.

They are on each side of the trail called Crawford Path (which

is also the oldest maintained footpath in America). 

Here they are:

Lake One (Right side on Trail)

Lake 2 (Left side on Trail)

After these wonderful views we headed up to Mt. Washington...

Happy Hiking

9-11 Hiking Mt. Washington...Part 1

Today is 9-11th and it was the day we

picked to hike up Mt. Washington.

(the view from Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail)

We started our hike up the mountain a little later then we wanted to start. So instead of parking below in the hiking parking. We went up to the Cog Railway and started there, which has a small 0.3 mile trail that connects to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. To park at the Cog for hiking it cost $5.00. You can park at the low parking lot and walk up to the trail. I would have to say that I enjoyed the pool, waterfalls and cascades along this trail. Here are some of my pictures of the hike up to our first stop, which was the Lake of the Clouds...

When we connected onto the Ammonoosuc Ravine Tr. this is the sign we saw..

If you want to stay at the Lake of the Clouds, you need to make a 

reservation so you can have a spot!

They had a Sign of a person who lost their life hiking

up this Mountain. There has been 145 people who have lost their

lives in these parts! Can read about each one at the top of Mt. Washington!

The Gem Pool:)

The Gorge (80 yards from the Trail)

A beautiful sight as I crossed over this river following the trail

Heading up 2.1 miles from the marker, we can across The Lake of the Clouds Hut. I love this hut, but sadly you couldn't really go inside and enjoy it for they were cleaning. The hut was closed but you could still get water and use the restrooms. 

You can see by this picture all the mats were outside being washed. Good to know that the

place is always being well kept up for all the hikers that pass through here!

This is Mt. Monroe and as we were at the Hut, we heard a song called "Taps"

and saw them lowering the flag for 9-11.

This is part one...lots of pics here...and more pics to come of my trip up Mt. Washington on 9-11....

Mt. Washington State Park

Mt. Washington State Park

Out of all the places in the White Mountain Regain, this is my favorite to explore. The trails are so wonderful travel on and the people you meet along with way, are so friendly and helpful. I am hoping to hike Mt. Washington before fall really sets in. I plan on taking the same route that I did back in 2008. Hiking up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the Lakes of the Clouds. Then take Crawford Path to the Summit for the beautiful mountain (Mt. Washington). Last time it was foggy so I never got to see any views, I was lucky enough to find the building itself! I would like to be able to hike a trail back down that I never got to last time, because the weather turned and we couldn't hike down. The trail I want to take is Jewell Trail, it is to lead me back down to the Cog Railway where the trails start. When I hike this mountain this week or the next I plan on posting my pics and my adventure story up here soon after. 

 I am hoping that one day, I can stay up at the Lake of the Clouds AMC Hut and wake up to the sunrise. I bet that is so beautiful to see the Sun rise above the Lakes up there. Plus I have always wanted to hike Mt. Monroe as well...wonder if I could do both Mountains on the same day? I bet I could. It's only .3 miles from the AMC Hut. There are so many places to see beautiful views once you are up in the Presidential Range that it will be very tough to come back down again. I feel like I am in a whole new world when I am up there. Soon, I hope to be able to stay up here for some time and see as much as I can before I have to come back down again! Here's hoping!

THREE Great Haunted Trails to check out!

I have been so some pretty cool trail in the White Mountains, but never knew how many how stories with them. It gets me even more excited to go on these hikes to step where someone once stood that had disappeared or died at with a story to tell. Here are a few great places to hike if you are up for an adventure with a twist!

Number three: The Willey Family Tragedy
I have lived up here in the White Mountains since I as born and have listened to this tragedy many times. Nine people killed from a landslide. Sam Willey and his family plus two hired help all here killed. The crazy part is that they left their house thinking that it was best to run. The house never got touched from the slide and yet all nine people where found dead not far from their home in the slide. There is a Willey Historic House Site that is opened year round in Crawford Notch. Sadly their house doesn't stand anymore, but there is a trail called Sam Willey Loop which is 1.0 miles and takes less then an hour to do, or if you are up for more of an adventure, you can Hike up Webster Cliffs which is 3.3 miles to the summit and have amazing views!

Number two: The Keeper of Stray Ladies
Betty Davis was a very famous actress back in the 30's and 40's. She also loved getting away in New Hampshire. She loved being in Sugar Hill. Betty was very adventurous and would set out on trails. She was hiking up Coppermine Trail and found herself lost. She was found by a man that soon she fell in love with and married. Only to later be blamed for his death, which she then confessed to doing...well, not killing him but hitting him with an iron lamp which later he died from. Strangely on this trail a sign appeared that read " The Keeper of Stray Ladies." They say Betty Davis placed it there. Can check out this plaque by hiking up Coppermine Rd and trail which takes about 2 hours and 2.5 miles long and also see the Bridal Veil Falls.

Number One: Haunted Huts on the Highest Peaks
I have done this hike up Mt. Washington. I have been told that 130 lost souls are still up on these peaks. many go out in weather that turn ugly and ever seen again. This story is about two men that tried to make it to the top of Mt. Washington but sadly never made it. Both died by the storm that was near the summit. One passed away where the Lakes of the Clouds Hut stands and the other was almost on top where he could have found shelter a few yards away. Now, Lakes of the Cloud Hut was built from those that need shelter when heading up this mountain.
Remember to always stay on the trails!!!! It is very easy to get lost. I have known people who saw something is a distance and then got lost by going off the trail, taking an hour or more to find the trail again! Always be safe when heading up this mountain.You don't want to become a lost soul yourself! Live to tell your tale! This hike is about 3.1 miles one way so give yourself a day to hike up and down this mountain. The views are so worth it, so beautiful!

Happy Hiking!!!:)

Mt. Washington...Part 1

Now, of all the mountains I have hiked in the White Mountains, nothing beats Mt. Washington. This mountain have many trails that lead to the top, some being more difficult to hike then others. I had a friend who had hiked this mountain many times so he kind of was like my guide when hiking this amazing mountain. We started at the Cog Railway Base Station. When we started the hike it was about 75 degrees. The sun was peaking through the clouds so we thought it would be a great hike. We started a small trail that connected to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. This trail is about 2.1 miles to the Lakes of the Clouds. I would love to say that on the way up we took tons of pictures to show you, but it started to rain about half way up. We went by Gem Pool and then the Cascades. The weather had turned on us when we reached the Lakes of the Clouds AMC Huts. The wind had picked up and it was about 55 degrees out now. I remember feeling cold and wet even though I was wearing rain gear by then. We had lunch at the Hut and talked with the watchers of the hut. They told us that the weather might continue to get worse, but we decided to carry on to the top. We left the AMC huts and walked passed the Lakes of the Clouds, which are really awesome, to the trail Crawford Path which leads to the top of Mt. Washington. We looked up in surprise to noticed that we couldn't see anything! Mt. Washington was covered by thick fog....onward we went though.