A hike to Ethan's Pond in Crawford Notch...almost

Headed up to Ethan's Pond last weekend. Was excited to see the campsite, the pond and the view of the mountains around the area. I never got there...the hike was going to be 2.6 miles up and then back the same way on Ethan's Pond Trail. The hike started on route 302, the parking is .3 up the road. You can also see Ripley Falls on a side trail which is .5 miles off the main trail. As you head up 1.3 miles you can go off the  trail .3 miles to see Kedron Flume which has a beautiful view through the trees. I stayed on the trail until I was almost .2 miles from the site. The trails was mostly a small river with snow patches. Couldn't hike through the water so turned around. I plan on trying this trail again in the summer. Because of the snow I hiked for five hours...I recommend waiting until summer to hike this trail unless you love tough obstacle courses.

This is where I was defended and turned back. I went through the snow and into the water.

After 1.6 miles it was mostly snow, but your feet would sink due to the sun melting it under your feet!

View at Kedron Flume

Ripley Falls

Until next time...Happy Hiking!

Trail Report: Ripley Falls - Crawford Notch

This trail report leaves off of my last blog on Monday with the Frankenstein Cliffs, we headed down the path to the a sign that was on The Arethusa Ripley Falls Trail and we had two ways to go...Arethusa Falls or Ripley Falls. I had seen Arethusa Falls last year so I wanted to head to Ripley Falls. From the sign it was 1.2 miles over to Ripley Falls. The trail was mostly flat, about .7 miles of the way ,but then it was a descend to get to Ripley Falls. Now Ripley Falls is the second largest waterfall in NH (approx. 100 ft). The fall was beautiful and worth the hike over to see it.
Here are my pictures of the Falls:

The sign to help you decide which way to hike

The top of Ripley Falls when coming down the trail

Ripley Falls from below near the pool

After the falls you can go back up the trail over to Arethusa Falls, and that will be 2.3 miles over, or you can take the Ripley Falls Trail and head over to Route 302 and walk the road. We decided to walk the road back to our car, which was 2.5 miles. Over all great hike!

The tracks you cross when going to the parking lot

Enjoy your hike in the White Mountains...Happy hiking!:)