I hope this Fall season has been treating you well so far. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves and the cool, crisp air make it the perfect time to get out and explore nature. As we try to crave time out to spend with one another, we managed to do just that. Life is busy enough, so when schedules work well together, we always plan a small trip. My family and I recently had the pleasure of hiking the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop in Crawford Notch State Park. The trail is about 5 miles long and is a loop-type trail and will gain an elevation of 1,637 ft; it usually takes an average of 3 hours to complete. The trail is dog-friendly, so we brought my little Shih Tzu Brusier for the adventure. Getting to the trailhead was relatively easy, and parking was ample. We arrived at the trailhead on a crisp, sunny morning. The trailhead for the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop is located just off Route 302, making it easily accessible from various parts of the highway. There is plenty of parking in the lot, and if needed off the street, remember where your vehicle is and make sure to keep valuables out of sight or not bring them.
We took our time to enjoy the stunning scenery and spend quality time together. We packed plenty of water and snacks as well as lunch since we knew it would be a long and challenging hike. My mom has never hiked, but she was excited to join us on this adventure. She voiced her concerns (and complaints) about the difficulty of the hike and whether she would be able to keep up with the rest of us. We made sure to rest often and take breaks along the way to accommodate everyone’s pace. The beginning of the trail was relatively flat and easy, allowing us to ease into the hike and warm our legs up. As we continued along the trail, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and vibrant fall foliage. We even got to see the railroad tracks that run through the park, which added a touch of history to our hike.
As we hiked up, we got to see a train pass by, which was a unique and exciting experience for all of us. A few other fellow hikers beat us to it, and a few people behind us also was waiting for the site. I do caution hikers with children to oversee them as we are near train tracks to not wander for safety and never keep your head down. After the train passed, we continued our journey up to the peak, and let me tell you, it was hard. The steep incline and rocky terrain tested our endurance and strength. Brusier, luckily was outfitted with his harness in case of a fall I could grab him, as he is a relatively small dog, and we wanted to ensure his safety on the hike. He is a natural climber & explorer and loved every moment of the hike. He would occasionally stop to sniff around and investigate exciting scents along the trail, as well as backtrack to keep an eye on us and wait for us if we trailed behind him. He honestly handled it like a pro and brought a sense of energy and joy to the entire group.
Once we reached the halfway point, which was the cliff, we took a break to rest and refuel. I can hardly describe the sense of accomplishment and awe we felt as we stood on the cliff’s edge, overlooking the vast expanse of wilderness below. We could see the colorful leaves of the trees stretching out before us, creating a stunning mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows. Thinking back to the trek we had just completed, it was hard to believe that we had hiked up to this point. Only then did we feel like we could laugh and appreciate the true beauty in front of us. After a long break to recharge and clean up, we continued hiking towards Arethusa Falls.
The trail to Arethusa Falls was equally challenging, with steep climbs and rocky sections. It was difficult because we were hiking downward, so our ankles and knees took the bulk of the impact. Verues when hiking up the rocks, we were scaling up rocky trails and using our upper body strength to pull ourselves up; hiking down required careful foot placement and balance to avoid slipping or twisting an ankle. The latter half of the trail is indeed more challenging as it requires a different set of skills and caution. We noticed Bruiser took more caution in his steps as well, probably sensing the increased difficulty. He took it slowly and waited for us more often.
We hiked to the junction where it splits off to the falls and back to the car, but we started our day a little late and did not want to hike the trail in the dark. So, we sadly decided to skip the falls this time and will get back early to see it next time. By the time we walked back to the lot, the sun had just set, and the dark sky was painted with hues of purple and pink.
Here is the list of supplies we used and packed for the hike:
- Hiking boots with ankle support: Given the rugged terrain and steep inclines, it is essential to have proper footwear that provides stability and protects your ankles from potential sprains or injuries.
- Hiking Backpacks with built-in water pouches and built-in straws: Staying hydrated is crucial during any hike, especially when tackling a challenging trail. Also, not having to worry about a water bottle falling out of a backpack or having to stop and take it out of your bag makes the hike much more convenient and enjoyable.
- Pack light foods like wraps or sandwiches and some protein bars: It’s essential to fuel your body with nutritious snacks to keep your energy levels up during strenuous hikes. My family also opted for small riceballs, ginseng tea, nut mixes, and jerky.
- First aid kit: Accidents can happen, and having a well-stocked kit can help treat minor injuries on the trail. I like the motto “You never know,” I would rather be prepared than sorry.
- Maps and a GPS receiver: The off-trail hike requires navigating through unfamiliar terrain, so having maps and a reliable GPS receiver can help you. I use the Alltrails app and download the map trails of where I will be going. You can also record your hike if you need to backtrack. If you have an iWatch, I also turned it on, so I don’t always have to take out my phone to check the map and risk it failing or breaking.
- Extra battery pack for your electronic devices: Since we heavily rely on technology for navigation and communication, it is wise to bring an extra battery pack to ensure that your devices don’t run out of charge while on the trail.
- Proper clothing and layers: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so wearing layered clothing allows you to adjust your outfit according to the changing temperatures and weather conditions.
- Removable Cleats for slippery or icy conditions: Depending on the time of year and current weather conditions, it may be necessary to bring cleats or traction devices to ensure you have proper grip and stability on slippery or icy surfaces.
Here is a link to the trail info from Alltrails: Here
It was a small adventure that brought us closer together and allowed us to experience the breathtaking beauty of nature. Crawford Notch State Park, located in the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of trailheads. Honestly, it also tested our stamina, which I still have to work on, LOL. When we started driving home, everyone fell asleep, starting with my parents. I think the day just caught up with everyone; the best ending was Brusier lying on the floor, knocked out. The ending of our hike also had one more surprise: a fun sign on a small bridge called the “Bridge of Khazad Dum” for us LOTR fans.
I hope this trail makes it to your list!
Happy Trailing!