GetWinter#3:Arethusa/Frankenstein Cliffs

Beneath the Frankenstein Cliffs, twelve GO members gathered to prepare for our loop hike. We put our snowshoes on and headed for Arethusa Falls first using the unbroken Bemis Brook Trail. Once we got reconnected with the Arethusa Falls Trail it got easier with the broken trail which we followed to the frozen waterfall.

At the falls we took a lunch break and watched ice climbers making their way up and down. A few of us will be doing this in a month! There were no logs or rocks to sit on so we just ate while standing. When we hooked up with the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail we found that the rest of the loop had not been hiked recently; with fresh snow it made for tougher walking. We took turns breaking trail ~ plowing through the elevation gain.

Pushing on, we made our way to the rim of Frankenstein Cliffs. We took a break enjoying the views. Next we hiked down the winding trail and just as we were saying the worst was over, we hit the 'ice bulge." We all had our turn at the slow approach followed by an uncontrolled butt surf over the bulge. 

The next stop of our hike was a cliff with beautiful crystal-blue ice formations. They were probably 100 feet tall, and there were several ice climbers picking their way up. We watched them for a while. Even Jeffrey got a couple of ice axes and jumped into the action. The next quarter mile we made very good time since we slid most of it. Some were skiing on snowshoes; some were butt surfing. I saw a couple of other interesting techniques. 

All in all a good hike and a good time. Thanks to all for your efforts with breaking the trail!  

This trip's focus is to get you familiar with climbing and using snowshoes. Plunging more than 200 feet, the frozen Arethusa Falls are the highest in New Hampshire and there are sometimes ice climbers ascending it in winter. We then continue on this loop to Frankeinstein Cliff that provides a lookoff to sweeping views of Crawford Notch. On the descent we'll encounter a number of ice climbers ascending the cliff. This is an excellent intermediate snowshoe hike! 

The 1.5 mile trail to the falls is easy and popular. It will most likely already be broken in by snowshoes but everyone is required to have snowshoes because the trail from here to Frankeinstein Cliff may not be broken.  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. After Arethusa Falls the ascent of this hike will really begin. The steep descent may be icy so if you have MicroSpikes I recommend bringing them in case we have to switch. 

Total mileage for this loop is 4.9 miles with 1,400 elevation gain. We will take 5 hours to complete that allows us to have a leisurely lunch and breaks. Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, traction (micropikes, crampons, etc.), snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, lunch and snacks, etc. 

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand