Lonesome Lake
Franconia, New Hampshire
Details
Distance
3.05 miles
Elevation Gain
1027 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Jon Secord
Take this loop hike for incredible views of Lonesome Lake especially at sunset. Head off the tourist path and avoid the crowds on this hike.
The Franconia Notch area of New Hampshire has many roadside adventures to go on, bringing in thousands of visitors every year, but my favorite place in the notch is Lonesome Lake.
At 3 miles, the hike is easy enough for the whole family, but most people visiting the notch stick to the roadside attractions, keeping the crowds at Lonesome down. The views around the lake are incredible, looking out toward Franconia Ridge and Cannon Mountain. There are also many trails connecting to the Lonesome Lake trail, but are generally more difficult. My favorite time to go up is for sunset, but it's also an amazing place for photographing the night sky with very little light pollution.
To get there, drive to Lafayette Place Campground on interstate 93. From the parking lot, you cross over a small footbridge and through the campground to start up the Lonesome Lake trail, which is clearly marked.
If you want to camp and hit the trail as a day hike, you can make a reservation at Reserve America.
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Reviews
Loved having this as part of the hike to Cannon so our group could stop and get a snack.
4.0
I love Lonesome Lake. We always stop by on the way back from Cannon Mtn or after a nice hike on Franconia Ridge across the roadway. It's amazing that you can see the reflections of the mountains when the lake is quiet. Also, night time photography is incredible up there - reflections are stunning and you always seem to get a shooting star if you leave the exposure on long enough.
5.0
I discovered this place last may when I was going on a small trip to hike Mt Lafayette. We decided to reach the lake on our second day, when our legs were a bit tired after our previous hike but the ascension is quite easy. We enjoyed the view at the summit and it was a perfect hike to do on our way back to Quebec. Would love to stay in the hut one day !
4.0
We hiked this trail the end of April, still a bit chilly so there was ice and snow on the trail! Although we weren't expecting that at had no crampons my wife and I made it fairly easily! One of the most epic hikes I've ever attempted to date and worth the steep climb to get there!
5.0
There is also an Appalachian Mountain Club hut nearby (reservations at outdoors.org) which is great for a family adventure.
To add to this, hiking this in late fall is really exciting. The lake is most often completely frozen with thick ice by mid November. We went last November and continued on to summit Cannon Mountain. There was a lot of ice so if anyone does this make sure you bring crampons and watch the weather. Dress warm and its amazing.
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Snowshoe to Lonesome Lake
Backpack the Franconia Ridge Loop
Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop
Winter Hike North Kinsman
Camp at Lafayette Campground, White Mountains
Hike Falling Waters Trail
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