Multi-Day
Valentine’s & President’s Weekend: White Mountains, NH
Backcountry Snowshoeing Weekend in the Franconia Range of New Hampshire
Oh, Lonesome You! Love is overrated—come backwoods snowshoeing instead over Valentine’s and President’s Day Weekend. Ready to escape the winter doldrums of city life? Had enough of honking horns and slushy streets? Celebrate the peace and quiet of a backcountry lodge excursion in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
During this long weekend, we will snowshoe through lush spruce forests and deep white snow set against the magnificent backdrop of the Franconia Mountain Range. We will navigate frozen streams, small mountain peaks and come to rest at the picturesque Lonesome Lake and our lodge. Set in a shallow valley in at the base of Mount Cannon, Lonesome Lake is a small body of water once described by author W.C. Prime as “the most beautiful place on earth.” Prime went on to build a small fishing cabin on her shores in 1876 (truly lonesome back then), which now serves as a backcountry lodge maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club. The White Mountain National Forest covers the majority of New Hampshire and is home to 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, five National Wilderness Areas and limitless inspiring adventures. Winter in the White’s offers an amazing opportunity to track animals, pause for breathtaking pictures and experience the true silence of winter. Snowshoes are provided by Outdoor Bound.
The Lodge
Built in 1876, the lodge was once used as a remote fishing cabin. True to its name, Lonesome Lake is the quietest winter accommodation in the area despite its relative accessibility to the road. Today, the lodge is managed by caretakers year-round and offers a full kitchen, wood stove and sleeping quarters with mattresses. Comfy, quiet winter retreat!
The Journey
This trip navigates the beginning of the Presidential Range Traverse, famed for its massive peaks, testing terrain and impressive views. The White Mountain National Forest covers the majority of New Hampshire, and is home to 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, five National Wilderness Areas and limitless inspiring adventures. Peaks include Mount Clinton, Mount Pierce, Mount Eisenhower and Mount Jefferson. Read the full details.
Event Details
- Saturday, February 14 (Valentine's Day) Depart 73rd and Broadway 8:00 AM
- Sunday, February 15 Hike eight miles to Kinsman Pond, Bald Peak
- Monday, February 16 (President's Day) Hike Cascade Brook and return to NYC by 8:00 PM
- Meals Most meals are included; bring lunch or lunch money for the drive up Saturday; cash for lunch Sunday on the road.
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Lonesome Lake Lodge
Originally built in 1876 by author W.C. Prime, our lodge for the weekend was once used as a remote fishing cabin. The lodge became part of the Appalachian Mountain hut system in 1929 upon a large purchase by the state of New Hampshire. True to its name, Lonesome Lake is the quietest winter accommodation in the AMC system despite its relative accessibility to the road. Today, the lodge is managed by caretakers year-round and offers a full kitchen, wood stove and sleeping quarters with mattresses. The sleeping quarters are separated from the common area and therefore do not provide heat outside of that generated by our bodies inside.
Sleeping bag required: rated to -20, preferably down-filled. You can rent a winter sleeping bag from Tents and Trails. Your Outdoor Bound guide will also teach you the many techniques to keep you warm and comfy for a full night’s sleep. While you won’t see temperatures as low as our recommended bag rating, you will be assured a cozy nights sleep. The common area does have heat, but the sleeping quarters do not. Average February temperatures range from 10-30 degrees.
Itinerary
Saturday > Arrive in the White Mountains
We depart New York City on Saturday morning and drive into the heart of the White Mountains, the most awesome in the Northeast. Along the way, we will stop for lunch and bathroom breaks.
Our journey begins at Franconia Notch, a narrow valley eroded by geologic forces over millions of years. The Franconia area is home to countless lakes, high peaks, cascading waterfalls and wildlife of all kinds. After a brief introduction into winter travel, we will polish our snowshoeing techniques and begin the 1,000-foot ascent along the trail. After just 1.5 miles, we arrive at our simple lodge on the shores of Lonesome Lake. You will surely be impressed by the comforts and ease of backcountry living with hot drinks and a hearty dinner prepared by your Outdoor Bound guide. In the evening, you may read or play games by the fire, or just sit and enjoy our good company. If we’re lucky enough to have clear skies, the winter constellations will not disappoint.
Everyone will be asked to carry a portion of the food to our lodge—so make sure you have a medium or large backpack. Don’t worry though, your guide will do all the cooking!
Sunday > Hit the Snowshoe Trails!
After a warm breakfast, we will pack lightly and strap on our snowshoes again for an 8-mile round trip journey. Our trail will lead us to the shores of a beautiful, gemlike lake tucked high in the hills. From here, we meet a different trail and work our way to the top of Bald Peak and revel in the amazing vista of the Franconia Valley. Along the way, we will investigate the plethora of animal tracks and listen to the spirited winter birds that brave the White Mountain winters. If the peace and quiet is just too much for your New York senses, why not shake it up with a snowball fight? Throughout the day, you can expect a high-calorie trail lunch and plenty of snacks to keep our bodies well-fuelled for the journey. Tonight, we return to the cozy lodge where we will dine, entertain, and relish over the accomplishments of the day. After dinner, you can hang by the fire while reading a good book, share the incredible company at the lodge or just hit the hay for the night.
Monday > Cascade Brook & Appalachian Trail
Today, we pack up and head back to civilization via part of the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Cascade Brook is aptly named for its steep sections of (now frozen) waterfalls through a remote valley rarely used by winter travelers. Fear not though, for you will be a seasoned snowshoer by day three of this mountain trip. Once back at Franconia Notch, you can see the remains of the Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire’s famed icon of freedom. This natural stone outcropping, shaped like a giant face in the cliffs, collapsed in 2003; today, there are wide-ranging discussions around the possibility of its reconstruction. After a final farewell to the White Mountains, we will load up and head back home. Along the way we will stop for lunch and bathroom breaks before returning to the city by 8:00 PM.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
You need to be in shape for this trip. Snowshoeing is just like hiking, but with extra (lightweight) gear on your feet. The snow can be quite deep and heavy, so it is a strenuous workout. Rest breaks are built into the trip, but you need to be a solid hiker or otherwise in good fitness.
Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels
We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.
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Activity
How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
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Distances
You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
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Surfaces
What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
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Elevation Change
The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
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Altitude
The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.
Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful
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Activity
1 – 3 hours
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Distances
Walk or hike less than 3 miles
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Surfaces
Flat terrain
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Elevation Change
Little or none
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Altitude
Less than 3,000 feet
Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers
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Activity
2 – 5 hours
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Distances
Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days
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Surfaces
Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible
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Elevation Change
Up to 1,500 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 6,000 feet
Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above
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Activity
4 – 6 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days
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Surfaces
Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps
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Elevation Change
Up to 2,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 10,000 feet
Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills
Experience required.
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Activity
5 – 8 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
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Elevation Change
3,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 14,000 feet
Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers
Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).
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Activity
10 plus hours per day
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Distances
Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features
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Elevation Change
Up to 4,000+ feet per day
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Altitude
May well exceed 14,000 feet
Pack List
- Insulated, waterproof hiking boots (i.e. Gore-Tex lined)
- Comfy shoes/slippers
- Warm hiking socks (wool, two pairs minimum)
- Gaiters
- Base top layer (wicking t-shirt)
- Mid top layer (wicking long sleve, mid-weight)
- Heavy layer (sweater or fleece)
- Winter hiking/ski pants
- Long underwear/thermals
- Fleece top and pants
- Down coat/insulated parka
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat
- Neck warmer/balaclava
- Gloves (two pairs)
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Money for meals on the road Friday and Sunday
- Trekking poles or ski poles
- Liner socks (optional)
- Camera (optional)
- Large backpack—everyone will be asked to carry a portion of our food to the lodge. (Don’t worry, your guide will cook!)
- Sleeping bag rated to -20 degrees. While you won’t see temperatures as cold as the bag rating, it will assure you a cozy night’s sleep. You may rent a winter sleeping bag from Tents & Trails (an Outdoor Bound Partner).
Why such wintry gear? The White Mountains are famous for gnarly weather that changes quickly. “There is no bad weather, only unprepared hikers.” Don’t have something? Go to Tents & Trails and tell them you are signed up for Outdoor Bound’s White Mountains trip and you will receive a 10% discount. Visit our Outdoor Bound Partners page for details.
Whitewater Rafting & Multi-Sport Weekend
Other Trips in This Category
- Adirondacks Winter Weekend Getaway
- Camp & Hiking Weekend in Taconic State Park
- Camp, Hike & Yoga Weekend in Taconic State Park
- Catskills Summit & Rock Climbing Weekend
- Kayak & Camping Weekend
- Labor Day: Mt. Marcy & Algonquin Hiking, Camping & Climbing Weekend
- Laurel Highlands Multi-Sport Weekend
- Mount Marcy & Algonquin Hiking, Camping & Rock Climbing Weekend
- Mount Marcy Hiking & Camping Weekend
- Mount Washington & Presidential Range Traverse
- Oktoberfest & Camping in Vermont
- Rock Climbing & Hiking Weekend Retreat
- Rock Climbing & Yoga Weekend Retreat
- Summit Mt. Washington, Ski & Chocolate Festival Weekend
- The Great Range Traverse Trekking Weekend
- Valentine’s & President’s Weekend: White Mountains, NH
- White Mountain Memorial Weekend Expedition
- White Mountains: Backcountry Luxury Hut, Camp & Hike Weekend
- White Mountains: Spring Celebration Weekend
- Whitewater Rafting & Multi-Sport Weekend
- Wilderness First Responder Training (WFR)
Bringing a Friend or Two?
Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.
Reminder about Winter Trip Conditions
We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.
Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.
