A Hike To Lonesome Lake in June! Franconia Notch

 This weekend I hiked with a friend to Lonesome Lake in Franconia Notch. It's around 2.7 miles to the Lake from the Basin on Highway 93. The trail is easy, yet there are two places where you cross through Cascade Brook. You start at the Basin and follow Basin Cascade Trail to connecting to Cascade Brook Trail to Lonesome Lake. The view from the Lake is amazing! Many hike to enjoy the view or even go for a swim in the lake. The hut (Lonesome Lake AMC Hut) has an wonderful view as well if you ever want to stay. The hike was around 7 hours because we enjoyed lunch at the hut and hiked around the Lake which was almost another mile. If you ever wanted to hike and want to start easy, this is a great trail to start. You don't even have to go all the way to the Lake, you can also just stop at the top of the cascades. The top is about 1.1 miles from the Basin. Here are some pictures to show you the views from the Lake and around the Lake. 

The View from the Hut (Mt. Lafayette, Mt.Lincoln, Little Haystack)

The View from the other side of the Lake where you see the Hut

Mt. Cannon from the Lake

View from the porch of the upper Hut

My friend, her dogs and me at the Hut!

Happy Hiking!!! :) Enjoy your summer...in the Mountains!

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: 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:)

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:)

Dream Hike in the Franconia Notch

The Franconia Ridge Trail

My dream hike would be in the Franconia Notch. It would start at the Flumes, where I would hike up the Flume Slide Trail over to Mt. Flume, then head over to Mt. Liberty. After them, I would walk along the Franconia Ridge Trail. This picture above is of the Trail that runs along five amazing mountains in Franconia Notch. Then I would head over to Little Haystack, then Mt. Lincoln, with a final stop at Mt. Lafayette. This would take all day so then we would stay over night at the Greenleaf AMC Hut. I have always wanted to stay there. The next day we would travel down the Old Bridge Path, over the Parkway, to Lonesome Lake Trail, where we would go up to Lonesome Lake, then head down the Cascade Brook Trail to where we would be very close to the Flumes. That would be an awesome hike trip! Maybe one day, I'll get the chance to do it!

On Little Haystack with Mt. Lincoln behind us

Amazing views from up on top of the Ridge!

The views from Lonesome Lake

Very popular spot for hikers

Happy Hiking:)

Taking up Lonesome Lake Trail

Last week I went up to Lonesome lake, taking my nephew and new dog. We decided to hike up Lonesome Lake Trail to get to the Lake. I have never gone this way before but it was a wonderful hike up. My dog loved the hike as well. It wasn't very rocky which made it great for dogs. The trail itself is about 1.2 miles and then you can go around the lake which is another .8 miles. We hiked over to Lonesome Lake Hut which was pack full of hikers. Some hikers were also enjoying themselves by the lake. There was music and it seemed everyone was having a great day, plus the weather was perfect! Here are some pics I got of our hike up!

The Sign when we got to the Lake...1.2 miles back to Lafayette Place Campground!

The view when we got to the lake, can see the Hut in the distance.

My dog was loving the hike and enjoyed being near the lake!

Take your dog...they will love it!!

The Lonesome Lake Hut! It was crowded with hiker.

Everyone having a great time!

Lots of hiker hanging out by the lake.

It was such a beautiful day!

Plus the view was amazing!!

Happy Hiking!:)

Three Great Hikes in Franconia Notch

I know that there are many of great hikes in Franconia Notch. Today I am going to talk about three wonderful hikes that you many enjoy if you travel to this area.

Number three: Lonesome Lake

I have done this beautiful hike and the best part is that there are many trails to get to the beautiful lake. Some hikers like to hike from the Basin. This is a 2.4 mile hike which starts on Basin Cascades Trail then continues onto Cascade Brook Trail. This is a very popular route to take!
There is also starting at the Lafayette Campground which is a shorter route. This is about 1.2 miles. You take the Lonesome Lake Trail all the way up. There is a beautiful Hut called Lonesome Lake AMC Hut that you can stay over night at if you decide. You can also trail around the lake which is 0.8 miles around. Great for dogs to swim in as well. Elev. 2763'

Number Two: Mt. Liberty

This is a great hike. The trail to travel is Liberty Springs Trail which is 3.5 miles to the top of Mt. Liberty. There is also a Liberty Spring Tentsite for those overnight travelers. I have also got some fresh water from a spring here. Now you can travel back the same way or you can head over to Mt. Flumes on the Franconia Ridge Trail. I have not done this yet, though I hope to do it some, but it seems awesome. It would be about 1.2 miles. Then you can head down Flume Slide Trail which is 3.3 miles, this trail then connects to Liberty Springs Trail which leads to the parking. Mt. Liberty is 4459' and Mt. Flume is 4328'

Number One: Loop of Mt. Lafayette

Now I have never done the Loop, but I have had many travelers tell me how wonderful it is. I hope to do it next year and stay over night at the Greenleaf AMC Hut. You travel up Old Bridle Path which is 2.7 miles to the Hut, then continue up Greenleaf Trail to the top of Mt. Lafayette. Then hike the Franconia Ridge Trail over to Mt. Lincoln 0.9 miles away. After travel 0.7 to Little Haystack. I have been up Little Haystack. The view is beautiful! Then travel Falling Waters Trail 3.0 miles back to the parking. There are three beautiful waterfalls to see along the way on this trail. Mt. Lafayette 5261' Mt. Lincoln 5089' Little Haystack 4761'

These are my top three! Happy Hiking!!:)

Lonesome lake

In Franconia Notch there is not just mountains that you can hike up to see views, but there are some lovely lakes to see. One is right off the highway near Exit 34C called Echo Lake. Any visitors love coming to the lake for swimming on the beach, boating and fishing. The other lake is Profile Lake, which many can go down a path to see where the old man on the mountain views. There is also boating and fishing at that lake.
But I want to talk about Lonesome Lake. One of the trails to reach lake starts near the Basin. There are places to park for the road and a sign that says Basin. We took the trail called Basin Cascades Trail which is 1.1 miles. As we headed up the trail we saw the Kinsman Cascades and the Kinsman Waterfall. Here is a pic of the Cascades...

Some visitors come here to swim or just hang out on these rocks during the hot summer months. The pic is of me and Sam (he was seven at the time). This is a great trail to bring kids on, they love the rocks and the waterfall. After we pasted the waterfall we connected onto another trail. The trail we connected into was the Cascade Brook Trail and it's about 1.3 miles to the lake. This trail got a little steeper but it was fun to hike up it. Here is a pic of me hiking up one of the staircases on the trail.

The is the picture on me on the trail. It was a lovely trail through the forest of Franconia Notch until we reached Lonesome Lake. It was a beautiful day when we hiked and the weather was warm. Up here there is also a hut called the Lonesome Lake AMC Hut. We had lunch and got to see this beautiful view...

I loved looking at the lake with the mountains behind it. It was so beautiful. I wish I had a view like this outside my window every morning! There were also dogs on the trail when we were hiking which was fun. The lake would be a great place for them to swim. After we hiked down the same way we came up. It was a great day!:)

Franconia Notch Hikes and more

I love to travel through Franconia Notch. There are some amazing mountains to hike, I have gone there to climb cliffs, to see some of the attractions, historic sites, there is a campground, and some beautiful waterfalls. I have hiked Mt. Liberty last year. It was a beautiful hike and had some amazing views. You could see all the way down Franconia Notch which was great! I have also hiked Mt. Lincoln. It was about two hours from the base. I loved the view, so peaceful on top. I hiked that mountain in the fall so the trees were so colorful.
There is also some awesome attractions you can stop to visit while passing through. I have been on the Cannon Mtn. Aerial Tranway. There are some trails on top of the mountain where you can see some views of Franconia Notch. There are also some passing trails so hikers can stop on top of the mountain if they need a rest.
I also love to stop at The Basin on my way through the Notch. There is a trail that takes you to the Basin from the road. There are some trails that start near the Basin. I have gone up a trail to Lonesome Lake. The lake was lovely and it was nice to see the new hut up that way called the Lonesome Lake Hut. Hikers can sleep up in the hut, there are restrooms and place to eat.
Another place to see along the Notch is the Flumes. Many visitors of the area love seeing the Flumes. There are some trails that start near the Flumes. That was were I started to get to the top of Mt. Liberty.
I hope to hike some new trails this summer and fall. I will add them to my list of awesome hikes! Stay tuned for more:)