A quick trip to Salem MA, and got a change to see the Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery located at the end of Essex Street.
I used to love watching this show when I would stay home sick from school. I guess this statue has a little bit of controversy. Some did not want it in Salem because they thought it made light of some of the witch trials.
On the day I was there, plenty of people were around the statue to get their picture taken.
“Hair fo gold, eyes that twinkle A nose that neatly twitched, Clever, charming and enchanting Samantha left us all Bewitched.”
Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery in Salem MA.Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery in Salem MA
I got a later start then I had intended to. I didn’t get the Basin parking lot in Franconia State Park until 10:30am. But that was fine. I was not on any time schedule. My plan was an out and back up to Lonesome Lake via Basin Cascade trail.
Some of cascading water and granite slabs at the beginning of the trail
The weather was mostly cloudy, but the sun did peak out as well. Temps were perfect for hiking with highs in the low 70’s. The parking lot was pretty full but I was able to find a spot. In-fact all of Franconia State Park was busy. The leaves are starting to change and the tourists are coming to see them.
More cascading water along the trail
I started out and checked out the Basin waterfall. Lots of people taking pictures so I did not stay to long.
I started up the Basin Cascade Trail. This follows a flowing cascade of water most of the way. There were lots of hikers, people fishing and others just out enjoying a little nature.
Kinsman Falls along the trail
I stopped at many of the outlooks to see the falling water. It was all very pretty. I stopped at Kinsman Falls for a few pics. For the most part the trail was moderate, but lots of wet rocks and roots.
Some of the muddy sections along the hike
I continued up a bit, and the trail got a but muddy. Then it got very muddy, My foot sunk down to my chin. I made my way forward with heard paths around the mud before I realized I missed the trail where it crossed the river a quarter mile back.
Rocky Glen Falls. My favorite water fall on this trail.
The river crossing was a little tricky and took some balance and steady feet but I was able to make it across dry. From here the trail starts to climb a bit more. It follows the brook with lots of small waterfalls and cascades.
Soon I was at Rocky Glen Falls. This was my favorite waterfall on this trail. When I got there the water was flowing pretty good. So I grabbed some pictures and continued on.
Making my way up the trail
When I reached the junction with the Cascade Brook trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail, I was faced with another water crossing. Where the trail crossed looked a bit tricker then I was willing to attempt so I made my way upstream with some easier crossing options.
Looking at the water crossing
At this point, I decided I did not want to descend this trail like I originally planned. There were to many opportunities to slip and fall. I still had the option to go down the Lonesome Lake trail and walk the bike path home.
First views of Lonesome Lake
Once across, I continued up the trail. This trail was much more rugged then the previous. Lots of we rocks to walk over and around. The incline had also increased. Especially the last little push up to Lonesome Lake.
Lots of people at the lake hanging out.Franconia Ridge over Lonesome Lake
Once I was at Lonesome Lake, I sat down with some other hikers for a bit and then went up to the hut. While looking at a map and saw the bike path was about 2 miles. Even though this route was much longer than the out and back. I felt I could move faster than I would going down the way I came.
Inside the hut
So, I filled my water and set out down the Lonesome Lake trail. This trail is steep but very sturdy and easy to climb down. I made it down to the Lafyette campground in less than an hour. I thought about asking some hikers for ride to the Basin parking lot but decided it was best to hike myself out. After all I was not on a timeline.
Making my way down the Lonesome Lake Trail.
The bike path is a beautiful pathway through Franconia Notch. Lots of bridges and lots of cool trees, moss and streams etc. I took my time and a few breaks along the way but was at my car within an hour. I was so glad I decided to walk the path.
Arriving at the parking lot in Lafayette Campground. Starting down the bike pathLots of fun bridges to cross on the trailBack at my car
While this loop was not my original plan, I’m glad I opted to do it this way.
Fall weather is here again. And the temperature was perfect for a Sunday morning stroll up to the Stratham Fire Tower in Stratham Hill Park. Before this, I had never been to this fire tower.
Looking up at Stratham Fire Tower
When Liberty and I arrived at the parking lot, we were both surprised to see the lot almost completely full. We soon realized that there was a car show going on and lots of classic cars on display.
Top of the hill
We started up the main trail that goes straight to the Tower. When we got there a few mountain bikers, and a few hikers/walkers were already there.
I didn’t want to leave Liberty by herself at the bottom, so I did not climb up the tower. I’ll have to comeback another time to see those views.
Grinchy tree along the trail
From there we decided to walk a some of other trails located in the park. The trails zig-zag round the park property and beyond.
bog bridge over some wet rooty areas
Eventually we ended back at the fire tower and made our way down from there. The park seems to have a good mixed use between all the hikers and mountain bikers.
The trails are all in very good condition and well maintained. This a very beautiful park, I’ll have to come back and ride my bike around.
Lots of plaques and memorials at this park. This was my favorite. Abraham Lincoln’s Son read the Declaration of Independence on this rock.
The East Pond Loop trail is located off Tripoli Road, near Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. My buddy Jack suggested this hike. It’s about a 5-mile loop with just under a 1000’ of elevation. Perfect for a Sunday morning.
We got to the trail head and had plenty of parking. The lot could fit about 10-15 cars. The weather was supposed to get a bit warm and humid, so we were there early.
Parking for this hikeMountain Jack
We started out on small section of trail that climbs at a very easy rate. When we got to the junction we decided to do the loop clockwise.
For the next mile and half the trail is flat with some small rolling ups and downs. There are a lot of water crossings that have bridges. Some longer than others. One bridge that carried you over a bog was super long.
Very long bog bridge
We reached a water crossing and had climbed down to a little. I think this is the low point on the whole trail. We climbed out the other side and this is where most of the elevation started.
As we climbed the trail was moderate with some easy sections. There were some rocky and rooty sections but overall, the trail was in great condition.
Another bridge with stones and wood
We arrived at the top; we saw the spur path to Little Easy Pond. This trail has nice a nice secluded view of the pond and the hills in the background. We hung out a bit. Jack made some coffee, and I took some photos.
We were there for about a half hour before we saw or heard another person. We packed up we started our walk toward the other pond.
Spider web in the sunshine
This section of trail was mostly easy. There were some small ups and downs, with a few more downs than ups. Lots of beautiful moss along this trail.
We got to the main East Pond and it was more of an alpine lake. There was a guy on the other side fly fishing. The water was very clear and clean. When we arrived there were some people but that was to be expected.
View of Little East PondView of East Pond
After a few pics we decided to head down back to the car. On the way down we noticed that it was starting to get humid and warmer. There were also a lot of people coming up to the lake now. One of the guys was a prospector and was going to pan for gold near the pond.
This section of trail is much steeper than any other sections. Going down was not to bad though. It was about a mile from the pond to the loop junction. And from there we were just a few hundred yards from the car.
View of Little East Pond off Tripoli Road in New HampshirePanoramic of East Pond off Tripoli Road in New HampshireGetting ready to head down from East Pond
Very fun hike and pretty easy. Next time I’ll be bringing my fishing pole.
I’ve been waiting for a nice day to visit Iron Mountain in Jackson, NH. So when the weather forecast said today would be sunny clear and a temperatures in the mid 60’s, I knew it would be a good day.
Walking into the trail through the field
It is a Sunday so again I decided to start a bit later. I got to the trail head around 11:00 am. The parking lot holds about 5-7 cars but there is an overflow lot about .25 miles down the road. The approach to the trail head is fun. The last section of road is dirt and it is pretty steep in some sections. Lots of cool camps along the road as well.
It was a bit chilly when I started. The trail is almost across the street from the lot. You start by climbing a wooden staircase. Then you follow a narrow but defined path through a large field. If you stop and look behind, you there is a great view of Pinkham Notch.
Log bridges after the field
At the end of the field, I entered the woods and crossed a few log bridges. I walked a way through a hard wood forest that soon turns to a birch grove. The trail is easy in grade with a few moderate areas.
Walking through the Birch Grove
The trail continues to switchback through a now mossy forest, The trail is well maintained. Most areas are dirt and root for most of the way up this side. At one of the final turns there is a short spur path that leads to a rock with a good view to the north.
ladder while climbing up the trail
From here it is the final push up to the summit. Only about .25 of a mile. As I got closer there was another rock outlook I had to check out. Shortly after that I came upon the foundation of the old fire tower.
I looked around at some of the cement slabs that held the tower in place. There are also some of wooden boards that were used in the tower. Very cool to see. I didn’t stay to long and started to head down to the ledges.
Rocky section of trail
The summit area of the trail is flat for a short distance before dropping down the other side. Overall, I think the ledges are about 350 feet below the summit. This side of the mountain is a bit more rugged.
The trail is much steeper and rockier and more direct. As I climbed down there are some large open granite sections in the trees. There are a few large rocks that I had to climb over but nothing super hard.
First views. Looking north up into Pinkham Notch
I came to the sign at the junction for the Mine and the Ledges. I decided to vist the mine another day and continued to the ledges.
When I first got there the views opened. The wind was blowing pretty hard pushing the clouds along over the mountains. Lots of shadows over the hills and valley below.
Approching the summit and the remains of the old fire tower
The ledges mostly faced south, but I could see N. Conway to the west. I could see Cranmore Mt. and Attitash Mountain. I’ll have to remember this mountain when I try and get photos of the milky way.
I explore the ledges a bit, took some photos and then had a snack and some iced tea. I was such a beautiful day; I could have sat there all afternoon.
Rocky section of trail down to the ledgesThe ledges on the south side of Iron Mountain
Views from the ledges
After my break I gathered my things and headed back up the trail. Climbing back up to the summit seemed to go quicker than the way down. I passed a few people on the way back up. Up to now I hadn’t seen many people at all.
View of Pinkham Notch from the field.
Once at the top. I looked at the tower remains and kept marching down. The nice easy grade allowed for a quick trip down. Before I knew it I was back down to the birch groves and crossing the log bridges back the field and the car.
Even though this is not officially on the 52 with a View list anymore, I think it was one of my favorites. The views from the ledges were awesome, the road up the trail head was fun and the whole trail was enjoyable. I’m looking forward to visiting this mountain again.
Liberty and I took a little drive to Rhododendron State Park in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire to take a quick hike up Little Monadnock Mountain.
Liberty checking out the Tree couch in the parking lot.
We arrived at the trail head in the middle of a hot humid Sunday. There was only one other car in the lot. The lot could hold 10+ cars and there are some pit toilets there too. This is a short hike, so we packed some water and headed out on the trail.
The trail through the giant Rhododendrons
We started taking a stroll through some of the giant Rhododendron’s. This had a very jungle feel to it. They covered the trail making it feel like we were walking through a tunnel.
From there the trail is flat for the next half mile or sow. At some points it does do a little climbing but nothing too bad.
Log book in Rhododendron State Park
When we arrived to where the climbing starts, we were greeted by a nice slippery and slimy scramble up a 10 foot rock. Going up was not bad but coming down took some time to make sure footing was solid.
We kept climbing for about another half mile. The trail is pretty rooty and rocky and slippery after the rains last night. Most of the elevation is on this section of the hike. We finally made it to the ridge trail. From here it is just a short quarter mile to the summit.
A small slippery slimy section of the trail.
At the summit there is a sign posted on a large granite rock that is the high point. Here Liberty and I took a break for some water. The heat and humidity had us sweating quite a bit. After a few pictures we started to make our way down.
As always, heading back goes a little quicker. We made it down to the junction with the trail that goes back to the state park.
The trail is beautiful but limited views on this hike. Grand Monadnock through the trees
This is a fun trail. I’m looking forward to going back again during the wintertime with my snowshoes or BCX skis to play around. I would also like to go back in July when the Rhododendrons are in bloom and explore the network of walking trails.
