LONESOME LAKE TRAIL

POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

PIVOT SERIES

February 15, 2025

I first hiked to Lonesome Lake in the summer of 2018. It was a sunny August morning, and it was hot. The trail, located in Franconia Notch State Park, is littered with boulders of all shapes and sizes. My sister and I had young teens in tow. I remember being both distracted and awed by their mountain goat-like movements during the hike, a spectacular display of unbridled energy. Although the trail closely follows I-93 for some time, the summer woods and activity on the trail blocked out both the sound and sights of the road. We eventually made it to the end. At the top, the trail morphs into a narrow boardwalk bridge around the lake. There is a larger planked area for resting, sunbathing and water access. There were quite a few people on the trail and several small groups hanging out at the lake. Some children were splashing in the water. Some were watching and sneaking food to the ducks. The foliage was thick, and I didn’t know at the time that there was an Appalachian Mountain Club hut nearby. After hearing the faint sound of music and muffled voices, I looked up and saw a trail that led to the Lonesome Lake Hut. Despite my curiosity, I was not inclined to go further at that time. My attention was on the kids who were already roughhousing in the water. It was not long before I went in. The water was clear, cold and refreshing. The view was breathtaking. We enjoyed a small snack that we brought with us, dried off a bit in the sun and then headed back down.

The hike to Lonesome Lake on this frigid February day was quite different. The heavy snowfall that fell in Franconia Notch throughout the season flattened out the rocky trail. The slick surface necessitated the use of micro spikes. The lack of children provided me with the double-edged sword of concentration.  I was able to bask in the quite sounds of a winter’s hike and also be keenly aware of any discomfort I was feeling. The trial is steep. You start off with a moderate incline following I-93 with Mount Lafayette on your left, which you can see through the naked trees in winter. A sharp switchback brings Mount Lafayette to your right. About 20 minutes in, the trail inclines steeply and does not let up until the lake is in sight. It’s not grabbing-onto-trees-for-leverage while someone pushes you from behind steep (that’s Mt. Avalon), but your calves are going to get a good, long workout.

With Ronnie, hikes (or any activities) start early. “You can sleep when you’re dead,” is a favorite saying of his.  Besides still having the whole day for, whatever, after the trek, a benefit often bestowed upon early risers is low population. It is apparent that most people like to sleep in a bit. We always see more people on the way down the trail than on the way up. While not reclusive, we do enjoy solitude in the woods. And when the trail is snow packed or wet, less feet usually mean better hiking conditions. Today was no different and we were at the trailhead at 9:00AM. Although a beautiful Saturday, we didn’t see a sole until just before reaching the lake. A group of three men were on their way back from an even earlier start.

I remember first seeing the alpine lake during the summer hike. The beauty of the water being hugged by the rugged mountain was stunning. It looked like an oasis, and I couldn’t wait to submerge my body in the cool water that was glistening in the sun. The soft sound of the shallow waves lapping the edges along the trail only added to the anticipation and tranquility of the area. Today, the lake presented a very different kind of beauty and experience. It was frozen and white with snow cover. And quiet. The starkness of the landscape made Lonesome Lake look, well…, lonesome. It invited me to walk upon it. I accepted.

This time I wanted to check out the Lonesome Lake Hut. We made our way up the short trail from the lake to the buildings we could now easily see from the boardwalk area. Again, I heard music. Once up there, I could see two Croo workers raking snow off the roofs of the huts. (More on the Croo and the AMC huts here: https://www.thirstywhitemountaintraveler.com/post/amc-s-greenleaf-hut-a-respite-in-the-white-mountains) The two women welcomed us with smiles, pointed out the way to the restrooms and let us know about the “love muffins” they baked that morning. I removed my micro spikes, entered the warm cabin and happily purchased a muffin for $1.00. The “love muffin” turned out to be a morning glory-type muffin with cream cheese-based frosting. Delish!

There was a group of people warming up by the fire in the stove. We sat nearby at one of the picnic tables reminiscing of our time at the Greenleaf Hut. Others were enjoying the warmth and some snacks as well. After our respite, we said our goodbyes to the Croo and headed back out the way we came. Once back at the lake, we took a few minutes to appreciate the incredible view from this vantage point. Leaving was hard.

The way back down the trail provided a few laughs and surprises. About a third of the way down, we started to see some worn-out groups of boys, bogged down by heavy backpacks, making their way up the steep incline. I inquired of the third group and learned that it was a Boy Scout troop headed for a three day stay at Lonesome Lake Hut. They were to climb to the top of Cannon Mountain tomorrow and enjoy other activities in the area during the holiday weekend. I started informing the small groups of the fire and the muffins that awaited them at the end of the trail which brought smiles, a look of relief and a pep in their step. We then saw one of the troop leaders standing on the side of the trail. I thought he was waiting for me to descend and go by, but it was not me he was waiting for. A bit later we saw another older gentleman practically bent in half trying to make his way up with his load. I didn’t think thoughts of muffins were going to help him. Further down, more troops and groups. Lonesome Lake wasn’t going to be lonesome anymore.

We got back to the car and started to pull out of the parking area. I glanced to my right and thought I saw a squirrel moving inside the parked car next to us. “That can be right,” I thought. I made Ronnie stop and back up. As I looked into the car, he kept saying I must be mistaken. And then we both saw it. There was a squirrel inside the car, seemingly trying to get out by scratching near the windows. And it had a nut in its mouth!

There were several people in the parking lot when we first arrived, mostly snowmobilers. I remembered when we were outside the car getting our stuff ready, hearing a boy yell to his father that a squirrel was trying to get inside his father’s unattended backpack. He ran to the pack and scared it away. There is a campsite nearby and I assumed the squirrels in the area had become accustomed to freeloading. This squirrel in the car got more than he bargained for. I can only imagine what was in store for the owner of the vehicle later that day. I made a mental note to not leave the car doors open too long in the future.

Panoramic of Lonesome Lake in the summer

RHYTHM CIDER TAP AND GRILL

In the heart of Lincoln is the picturesque Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain. The grand white structure with the red, metal roof seems to explode from the ground. Surrounded by the majesty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, this property is a welcome modern luxury in an otherwise historic vacation area. Among its amenities is the Rhythm Cider Tap and Grill. A spinoff from the Seven Birches Winery nearby, this restaurant offers a nice selection of American food and drinks in a modern industrial setting. The long bar and outside patio overlook the resort’s pool and lounge area to Loon Mountain beyond. It’s a great place to unwind and talk about the day’s events.

The Reason to Visit:  The signature liquid offerings are their locally made ciders which they have on tap. They are available to sample in a flight or by the glass. I’m partial to flights.

When you go:  When you find your favorite cider, take some home by purchasing it at the Seven Birches Winery on the other side of the resort. Mine is the Blood Orange.

Rhythm Cider Tap and Grill, RiverWalk Resort, 22 South Mountain Drive, Lincoln

Rhythmcider.com