Lonesome Lake Hike

Nine of us (Tim, Steve, Don, John, Tyler, Jose, Dave, Brian, and myself) had a great hike to Lonesome Lake. The weather was perfect - sunny and warm and cloud free most of the time. Only Don and myself had hiked to the hut before and the rest of the group it was their first time. The hike started out great the trail free of snow, but once we got close to the first switchback we started encountering hard pack snow on the trail that increased as we got up in elevation. No traction devices were needed. But Don and I were wearing minimal footwear (me Vibram Five finger hikers and Don huarache sandals). When we got to the lake it was frozen over but a sign stated “thin cover do not attempt to cross” and we encountered snow the whole way around the lake. We had to be careful when hiking to stay on the hard pack part of risk falling up to you knees in snow.  Which of course I did a few times, this hike wouldn’t be a hike if I didn’t at least once when snow was on the trail, fall in it.  We spent an hour or so relaxing having lunch at the hut and taking in the amazing scenery of the Cannon Mt to the north and northern Franconia Ridge off to the east. The trip down in the snow was taken slowly by Don and me due to our footwear and incident free.  When we all got back to our cars everyone in the group headed to the Woodstock station for food and beverages. I want to thank everyone that joined me and Don on the hike for making it a very nice day.

Join Don and myself for our annual early Spring hike to the Lonesome Lake Hut. This is a great spring warm up hike. The hike is about 3 1/2 miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain.  The trip starts out hiking through the Layfayette Place campground and follows the Lonesome Lake Trail up to Lonesome Lake. The trip distance may be short but it packs a steady incline up to the lake.  When the trail reaches Lonesome Lake there is a series of planks that lead to Lonesome Lake Hut. The hike provides great views of Franconia Ridge peaks on the east side of the notch.  We plan on having lunch at the hut.  The trail is wooded but there could be some snow on the trail.   Dress appropriately for spring weather in the Whites: shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks (gaiters if you have them) and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and water.  Please no dogs. After the hike we plan on going to the Woodstock Inn Brewery for drinks and food.