GetWinter Hike #2: Lonesome Lake

Our second GetWinter Hike for the season was to Lonesome Lake using the Lonesome Lake Trail with 3.2 miles roundtrip.

We parked our truck on the western side of I-93 near the log cabin while other members parked on the other side and walked under the highway using the tunnel to meet us.

The day was perfect. Abundant sunshine, crisp cold air with a temperature around 20 degrees, no wind. Lonesome Lake Trail is surprisingly steep, but we scampered up happily, stopping only a few times for some water and snacks.

We reached the Lake in just over an hour. Looking across the frozen lake, we could see the hut far off in the trees.

Our speed picked up immensely, as we love walking over the lake. In no time at all we were on the other side of the lake, near the hut. On the other side we admired the Franconia Ridge.

Eventually we made our way to the hut for a snack.

We then headed back over the frozen lake. When we reached the other side of the lake, we rested for a few minutes...and made the descent.

Overall, we made it back in good spirits.

After all that exercise, pizza and beer at my house was a welcome event. We ate heartily beside the fireplace. Then we parted ways with five of us spending the night at my house.

I look forward to the next GetWinter Hike at Mt. Potash in February.

Join our GetWinter hikes designed to get you into winter hiking. This is a series of progressively harder winter hikes leading up to a 4,000 footer.

This trip's focus is to get you familiar with using snowshoes climbing up a mountain. It's an exciting beginner snowshoe hike with the great views from Lonesome Lake - comprehensive, craggy, wild, and dominated by the treeless peak of Mount Lafayette. You can reserve and rent snowshoes from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI, EMS, or from Ski Fanatics off Exit 28 on I-93.

We are taking the Lonesome Lake Trail that begins from the Lafayetter Campground and returning the same way we hiked in. Approximately 3.25 miles, 1000 feet elevation gain and 2 3/4 hours. Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, snacks, etc. We will not be having a lunch stop so eat before we start. After the hike we can hang out by the fireplace at my house in Waterville Valley for pizza/beer (sharing costs). Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower. 

MeetUp Location: Your destination is the Lafayette Place Campground. Northbound on the Franconia Notch Parkway, note your mileage as you pass Exit 34A. Continue on the parkway about 4 miles to an exit sign: TRAILHEAD PARKING. Smaller signs list the Bridle Path and Falling Waters Trail, but this exit is also for the Lonesome Lake Trail. Leave your car in the parking area and walk through the foot tunnel under the parkway to the west side. [You can park on the other side of this tunnel by travelling further north on the parkway, turning around at the Cannon Mountain exit, and then take the Lafayette Campground exit; you'll recognize us with our blue FJ Cruiser].  When you emerge from the tunnel, bear left around the log cabin. Farther on you'll see a sign on your right for the Lonesome Lake Trailhead. Continue too the end of the south parking area.  

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Let us know if you want to carpool with Jon and I on I-93 off Exit 28.

Lodging Option: Lodging available Saturday night after the trip at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. Cost includes a continental breakfast with coffee. Accommodations are dormitory style bunk beds. Hot showers, bed linen, towels, soap, shampoo, full use of the kitchen and fireplace is included. No need to bring a sleeping bag. RSVP IS REQUIRED AND SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand