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! :)

Great Autumn Loop in Franconia Notch

One Great Loop to hike in the White Mountains is the Franconia Ridge.  It is a great day hike that takes about nine hours or so to do. The start is at Lafayette Place Parking. Hike up .2 to a two way path, one being Falling Waters Trail and one being Old Bridle Path. Doesn't matter which way you decide to hike, there are so many wonderful great views. You will also then hike along the Franconia Ridge Trail and view landscapes from three different mountains. The loop is 8.8 miles and worth every step! 

What you will see along this great hike:

• Stairs Falls
• Swiftwater Falls
• Cloudland Falls
• Shining Rock
• Little Haystack
• Mt. Lincoln
• Mt. Lafayette
• Echo Lake
• Greenleaf AMC Hut
• Walker Cascades 
• and many amazing views along Old Bridle Path

During Autumn the leaves are changing colors and the air is cool. You will see many views along the Ridge were the colors are beautiful. If you get a chance this fall to hike a wonderful loop, take this adventure in Franconia Notch! 

Hiking along the Franconia Ridge

Greenleaf AMC Hut

 Happy Hiking :)

My Top Five Hikes I want to do this Winter

I have found a hiking buddy for the Winter!

Very excited about doing some snowshoeing and regular hiking

up a few great White Mountains!

But which ones, I would love to hike them all but Winter

goes by just as fast as Summer.

So, I started to read some of my great books on hiking

and check out my maps.

I asked some other great hikers online and 

these are my top five picks that I would 

like to do this year.

1. Mt Lafayette:

I know this is a large mountain, 

but the hike up is very steady and

would be great for snowshoeing up to the hut.

Hope to do this on a nice winter day, when the

weather is fair and temp is about 32 degrees.

In Franconia Notch

2. Mt. Willard:

It is not a large Mt. so I could take my

stepson as well. Plus we could use snowshoes

to get to the top. I heard the view is so wonderful

with snow in the valley. 

Crawford Notch

3. Tuckerman Ravine:

I have done this one before in the Winter and

it's a great hike up. There are also skiers and

snowboards on the trail as well for the trill

of this place! Fun to watch, when

you get closer to the top.

Pinkham Notch

4. Glen Boulder:

My mom has always wanted to

take me to it, so I think

I will hike it this winter.

Pinkham Notch

5. Mt. Chocorua

Everyone has talked about this mountain

and yet I have not hiked it yet. It's not a 4000footer

but it seems like a great winter hike.

Kancamagus Highway

These were other great winter hikes that were written to me by hikers:

"My one and only snow hike was Crawford path to Mizpah Cutoff to the hut. 

It was gorgeous and for a snow hiking beginner not too difficult. 

Grey Jays eating out of our hands - a highlight! A true winter wonderland!"

 "Pierce is a great 1st Winter 4K - protected in the trees until just before the summit 

and a reward of awesome views. But any of the NH48 can be great on any given day 

depending on the weather and conditions."

 "I think Mt Garfield has one of the best winter views."

  "Mount Liberty is a personal favorite. 

Or come stop by the Harvard Cabin for a warm drink and a snack."

" ...spend a night at Zealand Hut and many 4k's are within reach."

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!

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 :)

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:)

Mt. Liberty on a beautiful Sunny Day

Mt. Liberty in Franconia Notch

I love spending time hiking in Franconia Notch. I love all the views from every mountain top. When we hiked up Mount Liberty it was a beautiful sunny day. There were prefect views all around us. I had to take pictures though there is nothing like seeing the views with your own eyes. If you are ever up in this part of the White Mountains, you have got to hike up Mt. Liberty. Some people make it a whole day trip and do Mt. Flumes as well. I am hoping to do both at once next year when I stay at the Tent site up near Mt. Liberty. If you want to learn more about the tent site, it was two posts before this one. Mt. Liberty is a 4000footer, 4459 feet. The best Trail to use when hiking up would be the Liberty Springs Trail. The Flume Slide Trail can be very muddy making it very slippery. Be careful when on that trail! You can also reach Mt. Liberty by going across the Franconia Ridge Trail which hits five main mountains in Franconia Notch.

Here are some of my wonderful pictures:

Here is Mt. Liberty 4459 feet 

Hiking this mountain in Sept. was great for there are few hikers out, 

so the mountain almost feels like its yours.

 My friend up the trail with my dog Stitch. This was also

stitch's first hike up a 4000 footer and he loved it!

Stitch and I look every small from where my friend took this picture. 

We are near the very top of Mt. Liberty and could see all the way around. It was awesome!

 This is a picture of Mt. Flume from Mt. Liberty

This picture is of Mt. Cannon, you can see the clouds rolling over it.

Here is where you can hop on the Franconia Ridge Trail and head over to 

Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette!

Over all I loved this hike and hoping to do it again next year but this time stay over night up in the mountains!

Happy Hiking!

PS...On This hike we made friends with a guy from Conn. He drove up just to do some hiking, staying and then leaving the next day.  He hiked all over and seemed to know everything about the Whites. He talked about his ex-wife, his new girlfriend he meet on a Hiking dating site, his dog he had for five years, a cat that was really not his, but he ended up paying money to put to sleep, that he was the youngest, had older sisters, and he enjoyed a beer after a hike..the only thing I never got was his name! lol ...Thanks for hanging with us on our hike, it was great meeting you (No Name) :) 

ALWAYS ENJOY MEETING NEW HIKERS ALONG ANY OF MY HIKES!:)

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:)

View from Little Haystack at Franconia Notch

The View from Little Haystack in Franconia Notch

This is the view from on top of Little Haystack!

Very happy it was such a nice day.

There was also a nice breeze on top as well!

The trail Fanconia Ridge Trail over to Mt. Lincoln

Many hikers were out and enjoying the beautiful weather!

This is a picture of Mt. Lincoln with my friend and I in front of it. 

It's only 0.7 miles over to Mt. Lincoln from Little Haystack

THis is the sign that you will see at the beginning of the trail at 

Lafayette Place at the base. It tells you about the trails that

leads up to Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Lincoln and Little Haystack

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!!:)

Hiking in the Franconia Notch THE WATERFALLS

So, last week my friend and I went hiking in Franconia Notch. It was a beautiful day. The weather was about 80 degrees and the wind was perfect. I love a cool breeze when I am hiking up a mountain. We at Lafayette Place, they have plenty of parking but it fills up fast. Everyone enjoys the sights at this place. There is also a camp ground called Lafayette Place Campground that is across the street. Mt. Lafayette is very popular for hiking. We decided that day that we would hike up Little Haystack. It is a lovely hike. Takes about 6.5 hours to hike the both ways. There is a lot to see along the way as well. In this part I am going to show the waterfalls. So travelers enjoy just hiking up to these water falls on the trail called Falling Waters Trail. There is Stairs Falls, Swiftwater Falls and Cloudland Falls. They are all so beautiful. Here are a few pics of them!

Stairs Falls

Swiftwater Falls

Cloudland Falls

This is taken above Cloudland Falls, the view was beautiful!

 And you can see all three in Franconia Notch!