Lonesome Lake/ Cannon Mountain Hike

Despite Wind Chill Warnings with sub zero temps and gusty winds, we hiked up to Lonesome Lake Hut! The trail was well packed with snow so microspikes were sufficient for the trip.  There was about a foot of newly fallen fluffy snow. We were sheltered from the winds until we reached the lake, where the winds across the lake were very gusty with whiteouts. The trail around the lake to the hut was covered with deep snowdrifts.  The hut was warm inside with the woodstove so it was a nice break from the severe winter conditions outside.  We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the hut chatting with the caretaker & warming up.  The Lonesome Lake Hut wasn't really "Lonesome" since there was going to be a full house there that night!  After evaluating the conditions at the hut, we decided to not continue to climb to Mt. Cannon due to the high risk of frostbite in exposed areas on the ridge & summit.  After the hike, we enjoyed a potluck with chili, pizza, & salad and a spirited game of Risk at Bear Pond!

Join us for a hike up around Lonesome Lake with an option to ascend Mt. Cannon.  We will meet at the Lafayette Campground and hike up the Lonesome Lake Trail to Lonesome Lake.  After reaching the lake, hikers can continue around the lake to the hut or hike further up the trail to Mt. Cannon depending on conditions or hiker preference.  Hikers will need microspikes and/or snowshoes depending on conditions.  An update will be sent out prior to the hike about trail conditions prior to the hike.  The hike up to Lonesome Lake (loop) is 3 miles with a 1000 foot elevation gain (2 hours).  The hike up to Cannon Mountain via Lonesome Lake is 5.7 miles with a 2400 foot elevation gain (4.5 hours).

After the hike, hikers are welcome to come over to my house in Sugar Hill NH for appetizers/ dinner & a games evening (Risk).  Hikers are welcome to stay over Friday and/or Saturday nights if desired.

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