Why Franconia Notch, NH is Great for Hiking!
We live in the Groton Forest on the edge of the New Hampshire border near Franconia Notch State Park. We often head East to grocery shop and climb around some mountains. Hiking summits in the spring has many uncertainties. Will the rivers be roaring with snow melt off and barely crossable? Will I have to take my boots on and off a dozen times? Will the clouds build at an exponential rate at the summit dumping snow on us?
In early spring we went hiking in Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire. We were pleased to have our day off and nice weather correspond. Here are some shots along the Ridge Line Trail where we summited Mount Lafayette.
We jumped and rock hopped over many streams.
Lots of snow was packed deep as we neared the top.
It was a steep climb up to the ridge line.
Above tree line was coated with bright red lichens and mosses. These areas are extremely sensitive to disturbance and it’s important to stay on the established trail.
Often times cutting gusts of wind whip across mountain tops but we lucked out with only a beautiful trickle of a breeze across our face.
There were some great places to enjoy the scenery.
Mount Lafayette in the distance was the highest part of the climb.
I find such a sense of peace looking at a landscape like this and knowing it’s there. Thousands of acres of forest, streams and wildlife.
Us at the top.
The building in the middle is the caretakers hut. Not a bad place to live for the summer. Caretakers live on the mountain to help manage one designated area for camping and to help educate the public on how to minimize their footprint.
Water brimmed to the top edges of mountain lakes.
To complete the loop down we got to ski down the mountain. Groves allowed to slide down for long distances as we made our way to the car under the evening sky.
Whether you’re at the top looking out on wilderness or if physical limit keep you enjoying the views through photographs, having the view is the important part.
As John Muir said,
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
Maybe we could all use a wander into the forest a little more often. It might just do a world of good and you can find that at Franconia Notch State Park in NH.
Need to do a little more planning?
The gear listed in this post is the same exact gear we use to travel the world or our back yard.
These same booking resources are the same exact ones we use to find deals and acquire points for more travel.
I will never recommend to get a credit card unless you are 100% solid to pay it off in full every month. If you will and are going to be making some big purchases, this Chase card is the same exact card we use and it offers great travel points and perks.
Finally, if you have not used AirBnB before, use this special link to sign up and get $40 off your first booking.
These same booking resources are the same exact ones we use to find deals and acquire points for more travel.
I will never recommend to get a credit card unless you are 100% solid to pay it off in full every month. If you will and are going to be making some big purchases, this Chase card is the same exact card we use and it offers great travel points and perks.
Finally, if you have not used AirBnB before, use this special link to sign up and get $40 off your first booking.
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WOW!!! My legs got tired just thinking about that climb! And what a view! How high is Mount Lafayette?
It was a bit of a hike. Mt. Lafayette is 5249 feet. Not bad for east coast mountains. 🙂
Beautiful photos! I <3 Vermont – snow
Thanks. The mountains where pretty sweet that day.
Amazing! Would love to have joined you. Nic
Oh I would have loved it too! I wish you could have been there.
Amazing!! Would loooove to do that hike one day. xx
Guess you’ll have to come and visit us in Vermont. 🙂