Lonesome Lake 5/12/09

It was a beautiful morning but the forecast called for it to get cloudier later in the day, with a chance of rain, so I decided to take a shorter hike. I had never been to Lonesome Lake but had seen some gorgeous pictures taken there, so why not take the short trek out to it? This is one of the most popular family hikes so I knew to expect easier grades and only moderate climbing along a nice trail with good footing. The Lonesome Lake Trail passes through some lovely forest on a shoulder of Cannon Mountain on the West side on Franconia Notch and offers nice little glimpses of the Franconia Ridge along the way. I also saw the first wildflowers of the season and had to snap a few pictures.

Painted Trillium

After a little over a mile I arrived at the Eastern shore of the lake and took in the expansive view of the entire body of glinting water and the peaks of Kinsman Mountain beyond. After snapping some photos I headed South on the Around-The-Lake Trail.

View West across Lonesome Lake, Kinsmans beyond

After a few minutes of walking along the wooden pathway, the AMC’s Lonesome Lake hut soon comes into view and a dock on the shore offers the best view of the day, across the lake the entirety of the Franconia Ridge rises prolifically to the East. After a quick break I continued along the loop, passing through some breathtaking bog scenery. The long grass and calm water all around invites you to take your time through this section. After another half mile or so I arrived back at the Lonesome Lake Trail and set off for the car. I’m glad I was finally able to see this famed view for myself and I look forward to making a return trip in winter sometime.

View East to Franconia Ridge, Cannon on Left