Mileage: 1.6 one way to the hut, then a ~3/4 mile loop around the lake and back out 1.6 miles
Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Extra Gear: Microspikes
Companion: Jesse
The last day of 2014 found us at Lonesome Lake. It was indicated as a family friendly hike on a few websites and so I thought it would be an easy one. While the walk around the lake is an easy flat loop, the hike to get up there is a little bit more moderate, gaining in elevation. The sounds of the highway can still be heard as you go up, but eventually as you head further towards the lake you enter the quiet woods just before reaching the hut.
This trail was a popular choice and had quite a few people on it contrary to it's name. Some backpacking in and out from the hut, which you can reserve a spot and stay there for the night. The parking lot filled up quickly also.
The start of the trail is a nice flat walk through the LaFayette campground.
The lower elevation of the trail had many beech trees.
 |
| Beech tree leaves hanging on |
 |
| A nice bridge to cross over |
This trail was well trodden and thus packed down without much difficulty hiking on the snow with just a few icy spots.
 |
| Jesse and a yellow blaze |
 |
| A large rock. |
In a short time we reached the sign indicating the lake. We turned right here and did a loop to the hut.
 |
| Lonesome Lake |
When we reach the sign for the hut we also reach the intersection for the appalachian trail.
 |
| A view of the hut. |
We took a break and had some snacks inside the hut. Jesse bought some cold leftover pizza with him. I munched on some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies the hut had for $1 each. They were pretty delicious. Whoever baked them is a great baker. As we sat there snacking other hikers moseyed in and out. The conversation of the others veered towards Edward Abbey and the young hut caretaker sitting in a lounge chair declared "Edward Abbey is King." I was only introduced to Edward Abbey this past year through Jesse who greatly expanded my reading library. He bought me a copy of Desert Solitaire in a used book store in Jim Thorpe, PA last year when we went to go see Peggy Seeger perform. And I thought about how a hut in NH bought together a like-minded random group of people in the wilderness who heard of and revered Edward Abbey. When you do the things you love to do you find people with similar interests.
Below is a view over the lodgings.
The inside of the lodgings below. We didn't stay here, but if you do there was no heat in these. Brrr.
This is the view standing from the deck of the lodge. It is very beautiful. A perfect view.
It is only a short distance down the Appalachian Trail to the intersection back to the way we came.
 |
| This is the first AT marker I've seen of this kind. |
 |
| Goofing off |
A wood-pecked tree on the way back down.
Trip details below:
No comments:
Post a Comment