Lonesome Lake is quite noteable on its own, as it offers a trail that circles the entire lake while revealing striking views of the Franconia Ridge across the notch. Don't forget to walk around the lake. The Lonesome Lake Loop is truly one of my favorite hikes in the park. After 0.4 miles, the slope gets steeper and the trail bifurcates. The Lonesome Lake Trail is a fantastic moderately difficult hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Additional hiking trails travel north to Cannon Mountain. The Lonesome Lake Trail provides a fun family hike for campers at Lafayette Place Campground and visitors to Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. Too bad because there was a perfect blue sky and temps in the 40’s. Turn right onto Around-Lonesome-Lake Trail to continue around the lake. During certain times of day, when the lighting is just right, it seems like the perfect place to find fairies! The few that were spared by the axe are probably around 200 years old and would have seen Lonesome Lake Trail transform from an old bridle path to today’s popular foot path. Don’t forget to stop by the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut or stay overnight for some great food, friendly faces, and homey amenities. Lonesome Lake Trail is displayed on the Franconia USGS quad topo map. But 1/4 of the trial (close to the lake) is muddy and icy and makes it difficult for beginners (rarely hike during a year). Trail Guide Day 1: Lafayette Campground to Lonesome Lake Hut Starting from the west end of the campground, I followed the Lonesome Lake Trail, past the Hi-Cannon Trail, past the Dodge Cutoff to the Fishin' Jimmy and Cascade Brook Trail to Lonesome Lake Hut. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, camping, and snowshoeing and is best used from May until October. We will hike up Lonesome Lake Trail until it reaches Kinsman Ridge Trail. The trail ends at the junction with the Fishin' Jimmy Trail.The Lonesome Lake A.M.C. In most places plank bridges navigate the worst parts. To explore the entire lake you could take a left (.3 mi to AMC Lonesome Lake Hut) or a right (0.5 mi to the hut). Lonesome Lake (I93-S, Lafayette Place Exit): 41 spots. Initially steeper and rockier than we thought. Lincoln, Mt. Lonesome Lake Trail can be accessed through the south parking lot of Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch State Park. We just adopted this trail thru the AMC and I had no idea where it was or what to expect but it was the last few they had available.. From the base of the hut, you can see Little Haystack, Mt. Snow on the lake. The Lonesome Lake Trail follows East Fork Homestake Creek through large meadows with slow oxbows and rich habitat for wildlife. There are also many trails connecting to the Lonesome Lake trail, but are generally more difficult. The lake is classified as a coldwater fishery and contains brook trout. Programs include guided hikes, interpretive tours, and imaginative environmental workshops for children and families. After a mile, High Cannon Trail splits to the right. Totally worth it. Amazing trail. Keep an eye out for the hidden rock bench along the second switchback. You will cross several small tributaries of the Pemigewasset River and then start to approach the first of three long switchbacks. This is expertly demonstrated in the AMC’s “Hike to Lonesome Lake Hut” video. Around 3 p.m Sunday, conservation officers were notified of an injured hiker on the Lonesome Lake trail in Lincoln, according to a release. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Lonesome Lake Trail is a 3.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Lincoln, New Hampshire that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Be sure to also understand the Hiker Responsibility Code and pack the 10 essentials. Along the lake the trail is grassy and easy going. Box 1856 , Concord, NH, 03302-1856, Phone: 603-271-2665. Programs are offered free to guests with paid park admission fee. This is a primary hiker parking lot for Lonesome Lake Trail. Lonesome lake hut With spectacular views of the Franconia Ridge across a pristine glacial lake, Lonesome Lake Hut offers big mountain scenery without the big mountain effort. Past the AMC hut the trail became rougher and icier. Thankfully there were quite a few people out today, and rescue was called, but this is not a good place to get injured. This beautiful hut first opened in 1930 and welcomes hikers and mountain vacationers year round for full-service with meals and naturalist programs in the summer and fall foliage season and self-service throughout the winter and spring. Lonesome Lake Hut Trail Conditions and Trip Reports are crowdsourced from many hiking websites across the Internet. Sunny glades throughout support a full spectrum of flowers, and give it an airy feel. No matter the chosen path, on your way down, be careful of your footing and remember that if it was steep going up, it’s going to be steep going down. Hut is located at the intersection with Fishin' Jimmy Trail. Lonesome Lake Hut offers co-ed bunkrooms and separate washrooms with toilets. Definitely a little slow going on the way down. Grandma conquers Franconia Notch State Park, Appalachian Mountain Club’s Lonesome Lake Hut, http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/lonesome/, Lafayette Place (1,760 ft.) to Hi-Cannon Trail (1,925 ft.) —> 0.4 mile,  20 minutes, Around-Lonesome-Lake Trail (2740 ft) —> 0.8 mile,  25 minutes, Cascade Brook Trail (2,740 ft.) to Basin-Cascades Trail (2,084 ft.) —> 1.3 miles, 50 minutes, Basin-Cascades (1,520 ft.) to Pemi Trail (1,770 ft.) —> 1 mile, 45 minutes, Pemi Trail (1,770 ft.) to Lafayette Place (1,770 ft..) —> 2 miles, 55 minutes. When you arrive at the Campground, make sure to pop in and say hello to the Interpretive Rangers at the hiker cabin (Summer months only)! 6 Reviews. After the last switchback, you’ll start to notice the trail leveling off, the vegetation changing, and an explosion of moss and lichen. This lot is for visitors to the Basin (parking for hikers may be limited in the future). The Basin (I93-S): 52 spots. Great trail. Thank you for the info you provided with beautiful pics of the cascade brook trail and lonesome hut. The loop around the lake in the mist was beautiful! The Basin (I93-S): 52 spots. The Appalachian Trail passes the lake at its outlet. Once you have arrived at the lake, you have many options. Check Out My Book!!! Great day; views at the lake were pristine. Interpretive programs focus on connecting participants with nature and building appreciation for New Hampshire's unmatched natural heritage. With this knowledge, I hope that you will all be mindful hikers and choose the path that appears more durable, therefore preserving the trail. This trail is primarily composed of bog bridges. AllTrails/Valerie Mowbray It's quite a scenic trail… This is a great time to spot some of our special, old growth trees along the path. Overall, well worth it! Lonesome Lake Trail Franconia NH 03580. Bunkhouses are not heated and have no lighting. 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