Lonesome Lake, Lincoln

About this Location

Lonesome Lake is a beautiful destination for hikers who want to enjoy a scenic mountain pond in Franconia Notch State Park. The lake is located south of Cannon Mountain and offers views of the Franconia Ridge. At the lake, you can relax on the dock, swim in the clear water, or visit the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut for snacks and restrooms. The trail around the lake is grassy and easy, but watch out for muddy and icy sections on the bog bridges. 

This trail is located in the southernmost parking area of Lafayette Campground which is located on I-93 about midway between the towns of Lincoln and Franconia.

About Franconia Notch State Park

See all hotspots at Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway that extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. For eight miles, I-93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges.

Franconia Notch was the home of the famous Old Man of the Mountain, the same "Great Stone Face" immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster. While you are here, stop at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center and walk through the Flume Gorge, ride the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain, and visit the New England Ski Museum. Take your time, stop for a swim at Echo Lake, net a trout while fly fishing at Profile Lake, ride your bike on the Recreational Trail, watch for rock climbers, hawks, and falcons on Cannon Cliffs, or hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Notable Trails

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Lonesome Lake.

Lonesome Lake Trail is a 3.1-mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Lincoln, New Hampshire that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, camping, and snowshoeing and is best used from May until October.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Entrance fee

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

Content from Franconia Notch State Park Official Website and New Hampshire’s Wildlife Viewing and Birding Trails, p. 4

Last updated November 11, 2023