Lonesome Lake

Franconia, New Hampshire

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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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Features

Camping

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

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