Lonesome Lake 1/22/06
To Lonesome Lake from The Basin
7.2 miles 1200’ Elevation gain
Kevin, Judy and Emma
Parking at The Basin parking area we followed the Pemi Trail from The Basin up to Lafayette Place Campground, roughly 2 miles and 250’ elevation gain. From there we took the Lonesome Lake Trail up to the lake, a little over a mile and 950’ elevation gain. A few tenths of a mile across the frozen lake brings us to the Lonesome Lake AMC Hut. For minimal effort this is one of the best scenic hikes in the White Mountains. The winter view of Franconia Ridge while standing on a frozen lake is more than worth the small effort required to reach this goal.
As we come out of the woods to the edge of the lake the view across includes the hut nestled below North and South Kinsman. From the middle of this alpine lake one can gaze across Franconia Notch to where Mount Lafayette rises from the valley below. The Old Bridle Path trail that climbs the west face of Lafayette can be traced along the ridge as it rises up and over “The Three Agonies”. The crags have been named by AMC workers who carry supplies over these to the Greenleaf Hut, hidden from our vantage point behind the third”Agony”. Not being able to see the hut, or any signs that man has even been on the opposing mountains only adds to the feeling of being deep in the wilderness, when in actuality we are still very close to the road and civilization.
Following along the ridge to our right (south) there is a smaller crag between the two large ones. To some it is known as North Lincoln but it is probably better known as “Truman”, so named by the Watermans who were stewards on this section of the Appalachian Trail which traverses this ridge. This husband and wife team are a true part of the folklore of these mountains and wrote extensively about their adventures and the philosophies they learned along the way. They are mentors for all who hike in these hills and I highly recommend their books.
Next along the ridge Little Haystack is the end of what is visible from where we stand. Looking at these mountains one realizes why the early settlers referred to them as “The Haystacks”. Further south, Mount Liberty and Mount Flume complete the ridge, but are not really visible except maybe from the northwest corner of the lake. Across the lake on “The Beach” in front of Lonesome Lake Hut we have some lunch. The sun is warm but the wind is blowing steady and that keeps the sun from doing us any real good. To our north rises Cannon Mountain. The summit is invisible from here so it too appears part of the wilderness, hiding its north face from us where there are hundreds of skiers shooshing down then riding back to the top to do it all over again. This was a great winter hike, very easy with great views. I couldn’t ask for more.
Read More7.2 miles 1200’ Elevation gain
Kevin, Judy and Emma
Parking at The Basin parking area we followed the Pemi Trail from The Basin up to Lafayette Place Campground, roughly 2 miles and 250’ elevation gain. From there we took the Lonesome Lake Trail up to the lake, a little over a mile and 950’ elevation gain. A few tenths of a mile across the frozen lake brings us to the Lonesome Lake AMC Hut. For minimal effort this is one of the best scenic hikes in the White Mountains. The winter view of Franconia Ridge while standing on a frozen lake is more than worth the small effort required to reach this goal.
As we come out of the woods to the edge of the lake the view across includes the hut nestled below North and South Kinsman. From the middle of this alpine lake one can gaze across Franconia Notch to where Mount Lafayette rises from the valley below. The Old Bridle Path trail that climbs the west face of Lafayette can be traced along the ridge as it rises up and over “The Three Agonies”. The crags have been named by AMC workers who carry supplies over these to the Greenleaf Hut, hidden from our vantage point behind the third”Agony”. Not being able to see the hut, or any signs that man has even been on the opposing mountains only adds to the feeling of being deep in the wilderness, when in actuality we are still very close to the road and civilization.
Following along the ridge to our right (south) there is a smaller crag between the two large ones. To some it is known as North Lincoln but it is probably better known as “Truman”, so named by the Watermans who were stewards on this section of the Appalachian Trail which traverses this ridge. This husband and wife team are a true part of the folklore of these mountains and wrote extensively about their adventures and the philosophies they learned along the way. They are mentors for all who hike in these hills and I highly recommend their books.
Next along the ridge Little Haystack is the end of what is visible from where we stand. Looking at these mountains one realizes why the early settlers referred to them as “The Haystacks”. Further south, Mount Liberty and Mount Flume complete the ridge, but are not really visible except maybe from the northwest corner of the lake. Across the lake on “The Beach” in front of Lonesome Lake Hut we have some lunch. The sun is warm but the wind is blowing steady and that keeps the sun from doing us any real good. To our north rises Cannon Mountain. The summit is invisible from here so it too appears part of the wilderness, hiding its north face from us where there are hundreds of skiers shooshing down then riding back to the top to do it all over again. This was a great winter hike, very easy with great views. I couldn’t ask for more.
Bridge across the Pemigewasset River at The Basin.
Judy and EmmaLonesome LakeThe Basin Franconia NotchWinterhiking
