My first Winter hike in 2023 was up to Lonesome Lake in the White Mountains. I hiked up with a group of obnoxious hikers and friends. The plan was to meet at the Layfette Campground parking lot at 9am and we would start up from there. The parking lot holds 20+ cars but it does fill up due to a lot of hiking options from this trail head.
Snow covered trees everywhere
There were several people in our group and quite a few other hikers that planned to head up to the hut that morning. The weather was cold, snowy and windy in the notch and we were socked in the clouds most of the day.
As we started up the trail the group would spread out a bit and then regroup at various points along our routes. This trail is pretty short and not very difficult but still climbs up over a 1000 feet in elevation.
Happy trees along the trails
As we ascended we would stop often to take pictures and just take in the beauty of walking in a winter wonderland. The fallen snow seemed to outline every stick and twig on the trees and added a fresh smooth blanket over the ground.
After about an hour and a half we all regrouped when we reached the edge of Lonesome Lake. Temperatures have not been cold enough to go across the lake so most of the group took the route to the left and a small group of us when through the frozen marsh section to the right.
Frozen bog bridges along the lake
This section of trail is one of my favorite sections of trails in the White Mountains. It consists of a series of bog bridges that go through a series of marshes and cross over numourous streams. It is beautiful in every season.
We eventually meet up with the rest of our group at the AMC Hut along the lake. Inside we all took a seat at the many tables in the hut and took a break for lunch. I enjoyed some hot chocolate provided by the hut caretaker for a $1. After having some lunch, we packed up and headed back down to the lake.
Lonesome Lake Hut
The group split up again going around the lake. I decided to return the same way I came up. As we were hiking another hiker we saw at the hut came running down and asked us if we have seen a cell phone that she dropped. We had not so she kept running ahead to look for it.
We continued a little way along and one of the members of our group found the dropped cell phone. As we were discussing the find the woman’s husband showed up and said it was his wife’s phone, so we handed it over and he went ahead to find his wife.
Regrouping at the base of the lake trail
We regrouped at the junction at the edge of the lake. The hikers who lost the phone were there too and we all took a break and hung out for a bit before heading back down the trail.
Once we started down, we stayed together a bit more than on the way up. By this time the trail was very well packed and there was still a lot of traffic coming up the trail. We made sure to let the hikers heading up pass us. But most of them decided they would take the break and let our group pass. We eventually reached the bottom around 2pm. This was a fun hike with great company. I really enjoy hiking with this group of people. What a great way to start the 2023 hiking season.
Liberty and Myself on Fort Mountain in Epsom, New Hampshire
Date:
12-31-2022
Location:
Epsom, NH
Distance:
1.8 mi
Elevation Gain:
521′
Total Time:
1 hr 21 min
Parking:
2 -3+ cars
Difficultly Rating:
Easy/Moderate
Weather today was warm, hazy and cloudy for the last day of December 2022. I got a late start so was looking for a close local hike. Fort Mountain in Epsom New Hampshire seemed to fit the bill. I’ve hiked this a number of times before, but it had been a little while since my last ascend.
Mt. Kearsarge out in the distance
I set out with my sister and my nephew who decided to join me along with their dog my dog. We found parking near the gate along the side of the road. There were some small snowbanks along the edge, and I was worried that it might be a little tricky due to mud.
Looking south toward the Uncanoonuc Mountains.
After we parked we started walking up the dirt access road that winds up the mountain side. The road was not as muddy as I thought it would be either. There were a few spots at the top that were a little soft but very easy to walk up.
Summit Selfie with my Sister and Nephew.
When we reached the last switch back we opted to go up the short direct trail to the summit. Once we arrived, we took a few photos and looked around a bit. We tried to identify a number of the hills and mountains around us as well as local landmarks. It was hazy on the horizon, so we did not see a lot of the higher peaks way out in the distance.
After a few more photos we headed back down. I forget what a nice walk it is up this mountain and the views are always beautiful. It was a great way to finish off this year.
When I saw there were two new trails added to the Belknap Range, I just had to check them out. I’ve hiked all the trails in this section of mountains and wanted to keep that status.
The weather forecast stated it would be partly cloudy with rain in the late afternoon. So, I knew I had to head out in the morning for this hike. I headed out early, found where the parking lot was, and Liberty and I were on the trail by 9:30am.
Mossy rocks along the trail
Our plan was to go up the Ledges/Iron-Mine Trail to the BRT trail and then loop back down Marge’s Trail and head back to the car.
The trail starts out gradual but soon begins to steepen. At first we were in a wooded forest with a fair number of dry leaves on the ground. We ascended steadily till we came to a beautiful outlook.
Liberty looking out at the valley below.
The outlook offers 180-degree views of the valley below. Liberty really had a good time at this stop. From here the trail merges with Marge’s trail for a bit. We reached the split shortly after the view and continued along the Ledges/Iron-Mine Trail.
The trails were very well marked
We reached the section of trail that was an old road carved into the rock where they used to carry supplies up and down the mountain. There are also many large old growth trees located along the trail that deserve to be admired.
Old road to the mine cut through the graniteOld growth trees along the trail
Shortly after we arrived at the first of two iron mines for which the trail is named after. There is a sign that marks the location and gives a bit of interesting history about the mine and the iron that was mined.
Sign at the site of the mines
We continued up to the second mine and saw the same sign at the top of this one as well. Both mines were shallow cuts into the rock where the iron was found.
Looking inside the shallow cut of the iron mineSome artifacts along the trial
Around this point the trial starts to really steepen a bit and becomes a bit more rugged over rocks and ledges until we reached the BRT trail that runs along the ridge.
Top of the Ledges-IronMine trail
We followed the BRT trail down to a couple of viewpoints along the cut ski trails of Gunstock. We reached the entrance to Marge’s trail and started down.
Views from the ski trails
This was a fun trial. This was more of a single-track trail that descends softly. We soon found a clearing that was for the old tow rope that would bring people up the mountain to ski down. It was cool to see how nature had taken over what was once an open ski slope on this side.
The old ski rope tow
Soon after we came upon a large granite slab that the trail skirted around. It also offered some decent views with its wide opening. As we descended the trail started to level and leaves began to get thick and slippery again.
Cairn along Marges trail
We found our self at the merging of the two trail again and soon we were at the opening of our first view. The trial leveled a little bit more and the leaves were piling up. They are slippery and I did end up taking a tumble. Nothing was hurt but it was a good reminder to take my time and watch my step.
Lots of slippery leaves
From here we were at the kiosk in no time. Of course, Liberty has to put on her protest about not getting into the car about a 100 yards from the car so I had to carry her. Lol.
These trails were really a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the historical aspect with the iron mines. They maybe even some of my favorite in the whole Belknap Range.
Getting ready for a quick hike up West Rattlesnake Mt. in Holderness New Hampshire
Some collogues and myself decided to do a short post voting hike.
It was a chilly start to our Rattlesnake Mt. hike over Squam Lake. Temps were in the mid to high 40’s when we arrived at the trail head. The wind was blowing around 20-25 miles per hour and that made it feel a little colder.
View of Squam Lake and the Belknap Mountains in the background
The trail was free of debris, but leaves were piled thick on some sections hiding some roots, rocks, and depth of steps. Caution needs to be taken to insure we did not slip or tip.
arriving at the cliffs and our first views
There were several signs along the trail stating that there was work being done. We noticed a bunch of logs that were brought up and waiting to be used. Overall, the trail was in very good shape and been well cared for.
Rays of sun shining down on us
When we arrived at the ledges of West Rattlesnake the views were spectacular and we had the summit to ourselves.
View of Red Oak Fire Tower shot through my binoculars
We sat and enjoyed the warm sun on the rocks for a bit. The air was crisp and clear and there were no clouds in the sky. This was a perfect hike for today and everyone really enjoyed it.
A road trip adventure exploring some haunted and interesting sites around the White Mountains. Many of the sites were inspired by the book Haunted Hikes by Marianne O’Connor.
Devils Footprint
Our adventure began deep in the woods on Sandwich Notch Road searching for the Devils Footprints. The Devils Footprints are a series of holes eroded into the granite in the shape of shoes and spaced like steps. It is said that when the devil left the area, he left the area.
They are located about 2.2 miles from the start of the road. There is some parking right next to the footprints.
Devils Foot PrintsClose up of one of the footprints compared to my boot.
P. Wentworth 6mls 1838
Across the street from the Devils Footprints is one of Americas oldest billboards. The words “P. Wentworth 6mls 1838” are chiseled into one of the large rocks on the side of the road. According to the Sandwich Historical Society the sign would let passersby know that Paul Wentworth’s store was 6 miles ahead. It was very cool to still see this advertisement after 184 years.
The words “P. Wentworth 6mls 1838” carved into the granite rock.Close up of the “1838” carved in the rock
Pulpit Rock
From here we made our way down the road to Pulpit Rock. A large rock that jets up from the ground near the side of the road. The rock is quite large and would certantly make a grate platform to preach from. We explored the area around it and climbed up to the top. History says that Joseph Meader, a Quaker minister would preach Sunday sermons to local residents from the top of this rock.
Looking up at Pulpit RockLooking down from Pulpit Rock
Town of Livermore, NH
We left Sandwich and headed north toward the old New Hampshire ghost town of Livermore. The town is located on alongside the Sawyer River Road in Hearts Location. There are several pull offs along the road. Fortunately, we had a map of the former town so we could locate and identify a number of buildings and artifacts.
Livermore is an old logging town that peaked in the early 1900’s. There are many foundations that still exist including a school foundation, store, sawmill and a number of artifacts.
There was a lot to look at and made sure to explore the sight thoroughly. One of my favorite spots was the cellar of the old General Store. Inside this celler was an old safe with the door removed and placed next to it. The safe still had some of the ornate design around the edges.
We searched for a while to locate an old cemetery in the town but were unsuccessful so we decided to move on to our next stop and then have some lunch.
Mossy covered foundation wall in the town of LivermoreThe remains of the old Power House in the townDetail of the corner of the safe that is located in the General Store foundation.
Nancy Barton Grave and Marker
Our next stop looked like it was right off the road and would be a quick one. But we were wrong.
We made our way up to Notchland Road to search for the site where Nancy Barton was found frozen to death and buried. There is a well-marked trail at the end of the Notchland Road that leads you to this site. When we got out of the car we were greeted by Mia the local dog that lives at the Notchland Inn at the start of the road. Mia walked with us on the short hike to the Burial spot. The trail is well marked and we had found the site pretty quickly. The book mentions a plaque too so we started searching the grounds looking for it.
We spotted an old cemetery and thought the marker we were looking for would be there but it was not. However we did find the grave of Able Crawford, one pioneers of the White Mountains and that was pretty cool.
We continued to search but could not find the marker anywhere. We read the description in the Haunted Hikes book over and over again but were coming up with nothing until we noticed it mentioned the plaque was in the Inn.
So we ventured over and inquired with a worker who invited us in to the Inn. The plaque was located in the parlor of the inn leaning up against the fireplace. The Notchland Inn is a beautiful place, in a beautiful setting and I would love to stay the night here sometime.
Nancy Barton’s grave where she froze to deathThe Notchland Inn, Hearts Location
There is another marker in the Notchland Inn’s parlorAble Crawford, Died, July 15, 1851 AET. 85 years
Lunch At The Willy Family Landslide Site
We were both now very hungry and headed over to the Willy Landslide site for lunch. I was surprised to see how many people were out and about at this stop but we found a sunny picnic table and ate.
After lunch we explored a short trail before heading over to the site of the Willy Family Tragedy. A family that was killed when a landslide fell from the mountain behind their house. We saw the outcrop of rocks that would have saved them if they had just stayed inside their house. There is also a plaque at the front of the site that memorializes the tragic event.
View of Mt. Willard from the Willey Pond picnic areaThe Willey Boulders changed the path of the landslide that killed the Willey Family..
The Hermit of Crawford Notch and His “Ship”
We moved up the notch to an area called the “Gateway” in search of English Jack also known as the Hermit of Crawford Notch. We were looking for his old shanty shack that he called the “ship”. Here he would entertain tourists and sell them postcards and walking sticks. The structure is no longer there but we were hoping to find a couple of old artifacts and maybe some sort of foot print of his cabin. We were unsuccessful on this attempt to locate the site of the “ship” or any sort of artifact that might have been left behind.
We bushwhacked high above the “Gateway” of the Notch and surrounding area but were not quite sure where he might have set up. I’ll have to do some more research on him and the location of this dwelling. If anyone knows where I could find this information out please let me know.
High above the Gateway looking for the site of the Hermit of Crawford Notch’s homeBushwhacking above the Gateway looking for any artifacts from English Jacks “ship”
Saco Lake Pet Cemetery
Next stop was a quick one. We were looking for a pet cemetery near Saco Lake in Crawford Notch. The cemetery is located near the northern entrance of the Saco Lake Loop trail. We walked a short ways in and just after a stream crossing there is a small spur trail to the cemetery. If you reach the lake you’ve gone to far.
Pet Cemetery
There are three pet graves visible. Munchen, Betty and Puck were all buried here. Not sure if they were dogs, cats or some sort of other pet though.
Crawford Path Sign
Next a quick stop to the start of Crawford Path. Americas oldest continually used hiking trail. Also the site of “100’s of Deaths” and undoubtedly one of the most haunted trails around. There are a number of different ghost stories associated with this path and the mountains it goes over.
The sign at the beginning of Crawford Path
The Hermit of Crawford Notch and His Grave. The grave stone for the Hermit of Crawford Notch also known as English Jack
The sun is getting low in the sky so we decided to make one more stop in Twin Mountain on our way home. Since we did not find the Hermit of Crawford Notch’s home we could find his final resting spot in the Straw Cemetery of Twin Mountain. His grave was easy to find and appropriately marked.
This was a really fun road trip and was pretty accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
The grave stone for the Hermit of Crawford Notch also known as English Jack
Livermore was a small town located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The town was incorporated in 1874 and existed until 1949 when the last two residents left the town. Livermore was a logging town started by the Saunders family from Massachusetts. My friend Melissa and decided to make it a stop on a haunted road trip in the White Mountains.
Livermore school house foundation
The town has been abandoned for several decades and only foundations and a few artifacts remain. I still wanted to view for myself what was left of this once thriving town before it becomes totally reclaimed by the land.
We found a pull off on the side of the road where we started our search. There was a foundation across the street from us so we took a look around. First thing I noticed was a clump of large burr’s attached to my arm and back that took a little time to remove. This would not be the last of the burrs. We also noticed a number of apple trees along Sawyer River Road.
Some artifacts along the school foundation
According to our map we were not far from the foundation of the school house at the end of the town. So we decided to start there. The foundation is easily viewable from the road and we noticed a few artifacts along the outer edge of it. Mostly pipes and some old glass and metal.
Then we started to make our way down toward the river. It was a pretty steep and leafy decent down to the river. We located the section of land that was used as the log pond. It is only a stream off the main river now. We also saw some old twisted train tracks and railroad ties where the stream met back up with the river.
Piece of railroad track along the river
Next we decided to explore the old saw mill that was at the front of the Log Pond. This is just a row of concrete foundations covered with moss now but very cool to see. We walked inside for a bit and found a few more metal artifacts.
Old rungs mounted in a large stone by the Log Pond
We continued up toward an old crumbled brick building that we believe to be the old power plant. At the top of these ruins was a structure with what looked like an old round brick chimney. Some very good masonry work went into this structure.
A cylinder of bricks that looks like a chimney
We moved along toward the General Store, office and engine house. There were only foundations left for all of these structures but inside the general store foundation was an old heavy safe. The door was removed and off to the side. Didn’t see much inside except for some fallen leaves but is was still pretty cool. I wondered what kinds of things were kept in this safe when it was in use.
An old safe in the foundation of the Livermore general store
After that we made our way across the street to search some more of the old town. We were hoping to find an old cemetery that I had read about but we did not have any luck finding that.
We continued across to check out the last few foundations and make our way back to the car.
top of an old glass bottle
We did not see any ghosts or feel the presence of any spirits but I did think a lot about people that lived here. Wondering if they build some of the artifacts we saw. Or maybe drank from some of the bottles we found. There certainly is a lot of history in the White Mountains. I’m fortunate to have opportunity to explore these unique places.
