Lonesome Lake (New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lonesome Lake |
|
|---|---|
Lonesome Lake from Cannon Mountain
|
|
 Lonesome Lake
Location in New Hampshire
Lonesome Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Franconia Notch State Park, Grafton County, New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 44°8′24″N 71°42′4″W / 44.14000°N 71.70111°W |
| Primary outflows | Cascade Brook |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.2 mi (0.32 km) |
| Max. width | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) |
| Surface area | 12.2 acres (49,000 m2) |
| Average depth | 4 feet (1.2 m) |
| Max. depth | 8 feet (2.4 m) |
| Surface elevation | 2,730 ft (830 m) |
Lonesome Lake is a beautiful, small lake nestled high up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It covers about 12 acres, which is like 12 football fields! This peaceful lake is part of Franconia Notch State Park and offers amazing views, especially from nearby Cannon Mountain.
Contents
Discover Lonesome Lake
Lonesome Lake is located in a special area called Franconia Notch. This is a narrow mountain pass in the White Mountains. The lake sits just south of Cannon Mountain. It's a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers who want to explore the outdoors.
Getting to Lonesome Lake
You can reach Lonesome Lake by hiking trails. These trails start from the Franconia Notch Parkway. One popular starting point is the Lafayette Place Campground. The hike to the lake usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. It's a great adventure for anyone who enjoys walking in nature!
The Lonesome Lake Hut
On the southwest side of the lake, you'll find a special building called the Appalachian Mountain Club Lonesome Lake Hut. This hut first opened in 1930. It's a place where hikers can rest, get a meal, and even stay overnight. It's like a cozy lodge in the middle of the wilderness!
Water Flow and Nature
Lonesome Lake is part of a larger water system. Its water flows into a stream called Cascade Brook. This brook then tumbles over rocks and waterfalls. It eventually joins the Pemigewasset River near a spot called "The Basin" in Franconia Notch. The Pemigewasset River then flows south. It finally reaches the Atlantic Ocean in Newburyport, Massachusetts. This whole system is called a watershed. It means all the water in this area eventually flows to the same place.
Exploring Around the Lake
Lonesome Lake is a key part of Franconia Notch State Park. The famous Appalachian Trail also passes right by the lake's outlet. This trail is a very long hiking path that stretches across many states. There are also other hiking trails that go north from the lake towards Cannon Mountain. These trails offer even more chances to explore the beautiful mountain scenery.
Animals and Plants of Lonesome Lake
Lonesome Lake is known as a coldwater fishery. This means its waters are cool enough for certain types of fish to live there. You can find brook trout swimming in the lake. The forest around Lonesome Lake is full of different trees. You'll see beech, maple, and birch trees. The ground is also covered with soft moss and interesting lichen. It's a great place to see different kinds of plants and animals in their natural home.
