Little Niagara Falls in New Hampshire

I first heard about this little hike on the Hike it Baby group I belong to.  The mom couldn't tell me much about the hike, but the idea of a waterfall in the area with "Niagara" in the name sounded too good to pass up.  So I did some research...and it was hard. Few people could tell me anything about it.  I found a few sites with minimal information, but even all trails didn't have it listed.  Therefore, I feel it's my duty put aside my other work for tonight, giant pile of laundry, and messy house...and write this one down.  If not for the public, then for me so I can remember how to do it again!

Little Niagara Falls is a secret treasure in New Hampshire

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Little Niagara Falls

Getting there:  The falls are located along a road-like trail that stretches from Barn Door Gap Road to Little Niagara Road (off First Crown Point Road) in Strafford, New Hampshire.  The falls can be accessed from either side of this 1 mile end-to-end trail.  With limited time, I decided to go from the Barn Door Gap Road side. Drive to Leightons Corner Road in Strafford, New Hampshire.  Drive 800 feet and then turn right onto Wingate Road.  Travel 1.5 miles down Wingate until you reach Barn Door Gap Road.  Turn right onto Barn Door Gap Road - it is a dirt road and can be quite muddy during the spring mud season.  Along Barn Door Gap Road you will pass a few homes and green gated tote roads.  At exactly 1.3 miles down the road, your trailhead will be on your left.  It is a forked entrance to an old logging type road.  On one side of the fork is a green gate, and the other large bounders blocking vehicles.  If you reach the house at 375 Barn Door Gap Road, you've gone a little too far.  Park on the side of the road.  

Trailhead to Little Niagara Falls Trail

Trail:  The trail is wide.  My guess is that it is an old logging road.  It was a little unnerving that it was not marked in anyway, but with the wide cut road, it was easy to follow and I never worried about getting lost.  

It begins by declining down into the forest.  The scenery is a mixed hard and softwood forest.  There was some natural sticks and forest debris in parts of the trail but overall is was easy to maneuver.  Near the beginning, a powerline was visible over the trailhead.  Soon, that disappears and the trail rises back up with some easy elevation.  There are very few points of interest along the route, although I did see a seasonal stream along the way.  

I heard the falls before I saw them.  It's spring melt and the water was flowing hard!  At 0.4 miles from the trailhead, the trail opened up to a rock slab with the falls to the left and the trail continuing straight.  Hikers are able to approach the waterfall on the slab and get fairly close (careful of your footing)!  It's power was impressive!

 

 To view the cascade from the opposite side, walk upstream and cross the narrow gapped bridge.  Here you can see the top of the falls as well as the pond of standing water behind it, waiting to fall.  

The trail does continue from here an additional 0.6 miles straight out to Little Niagara Road.  I'm told this section is flatter and easier walk (though longer). Next time I'll have to approach from that side!

Little Niagara Falls Trail is wide and easy to follow

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 0.8 out-and-back to falls from Barn Door Gap Road.

Recommendations: 

- This path can get muddy and wet in wet season.  Wear waterproof boots.

- Wear bug spray and take precautions for ticks

- There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.  

- Pack in and out your waste.  

- I'm not sure if the trail is managed by anyone but it was surprisingly devoid of litter.  Carry in/carry out waste and trash.

- I had cell service there but it was spotty.  Don't count on it.

This was a great after-work short hike and I was thrilled to find another waterfall near Seacoast New Hampshire!  Do you love waterfalls?  Check out these other similar hikes:

- Gonic Trails

- Arethusa Falls

See video of this hike at Seacoast Hikes on Instagram and Facebook.  Please follow!

Mt Avalon in Winter

With my Christmas vacation week, I was looking for a couple great White Mountain hikes to explore.  One of the ones I tried was going back to South and Middle Moat Mountain.  I've done it over and over, but it's only about an hour from my house and has amazing 360 degree views.  The other one was to revisit another awesome peak - Mt Avalon!

Choosing the Peak

I chose Mt Avalon for a few reasons.  My original plan was to do a 6-8 mile day.  I love that by taking the Avalon trail, you can easily hit up three peaks in about 7 miles: Mt Avalon, Mt Field, and Mt Tom.  This provides a lot of bang for your buck and hikers get gorgeous Crawford Notch views.  The last two times I've hiked this trail, I've been hit with snowstorms and haven't gotten to see it, so I was hoping this year would be different.

Sometimes you have to abandon the plan

I was wrong ... hiking up to Mt Avalon was slower than expected.  We hit two sizeable stream crossings as well as a trail that was literally a river of ice.  Halfway through our hike, high winds and wet snow made it a blustery white out on the summit.  The slow trek made us abandon our original plan to do three peaks and settled for a 3.4 mile out and back.  Even though it wasn't the hike we planned, it was pretty magical walking in the whites through a snow storm.

Dexter did a better job navigating the icy trail than I did!

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Mount Avalon

Getting there:

Mount Avalon is accessible from the Avalon Trail located in Crawford Notch State Park.  The trailhead is easy to find.  Park at the Crawford Depot train station which is adjacent to the AMC Highland Center.  Cross the train tracks and follow the path to the trailhead which is well signed just down the path.

Snowy Summit of Mount Avalon in the White Mountains

Trail:  

The hike to Mount Avalon is completely on the Avalon Trail.  About 0.1 miles from the train tracks, you will come to another large trail sign and the offshoot on the left to Mt Willard.  Continue straight on Avalon Trail.  The trail goes through beautiful hardwood forest and fairly soon has a water crossing.  On our hiking day, the water was high and wide, and we had to walk upstream to safely cross.  The stream was beautiful and had rolling cascades. 

After the stream crossing, the trail continues to climb and soon you will have to cross the stream again.  Due to high water, were forced to go up stream about 50 feet and cross and a narrower patch.  It was a beautiful brook - with more cascades. 

The trail reaches the junction for the A-Z trail.  Turn left to stay on the Avalon Trail.  It will start to climb and the forest transitions into more evergreen and boreal type forest. The trail got steeper (and icier) as we approached the summit. Eventually the trail levels out a bit as you approach the junction for the Mt Avalon summit.  Take the spur to the left and you'll reach Mt Avalon's summit.  There's not much room on the top - a small rock slab and a few trails to overlooks. 

Unfortunately, for the second time in a row, I got a snow storm at the summit and didn't get a view.  We turned around and returned the same way we came up.  For more hiking, you can pair this with other peaks in the Wiley Range.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Distance: 3.4 miles out and back

Beautiful cascades along the Avalon trail

Recommendations:

- The Highland Center can be used for bathroom access and overnight accommodations. 

- For winter hiking, dress in multiple non-cotton warm layers, bring gloves, scarves, and hats.  Pack first aid, water, food, and extra clothing.

- In winter, you will need traction to do this hike.  Although there was little snow on the trail, I needed my microspikes for almost the entire hike.  Trekking poles were also really helpful for the descent over icy trail.

- This is a dog friendly trail.

- Parking at the Crawford Depot and Highland Center is charged in the high season hiking months but didn't seem to be charging when we went in December.

Skunked for a view again

Even though I didn't get to enjoy the Mt Avalon view again, I still enjoyed this hike and walking through the snow.  It just means, I'll get to revisit it again!

See more photos and adventure on my INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

Mount Avalon in Winter, White Mountains, NH

You might also enjoy these experiences:

White Ledge in Winter

Mt Pierce in Crawford Notch

Mt Osceola

Interview for The Soul Mammas Podcast

 I was approached by Nicole De Leon of The Soul Mammas Podcast to share my life as a mother and adventurer.  I really enjoyed the interview and sharing my story. 

The balance of motherhood while still pursuing outdoor adventure can be challenging.  Check out the interview here or on apple podcasts.

Here are some of the takeaways of the episode: 

• A return to teaching as a mother during a pandemic
• How it is not always easy to deal with identity shifts that come along with becoming a parent.
• How our lives change drastically when we become parents
• The challenges of having two children under 5
• How Lindsey was able to return to hiking and adventuring with one child, but how difficult it was with two
• Gender roles and how society views moms and dads differently
• Why her husband hasn't received criticism for traveling away from his kids, but she has.
• The inequities sometimes faced by mommies
• How her and her husband negotiate self care & their roles as mommy and daddy
• Lindsey's newfound affinity for hiking in the snow

For more info about my life as the Freelance Adventurer, follow me on instagram or facebook!

3 Easy and Stunning Fall Foliage Hikes in the White Mountains

 It's my favorite time of year!  Time to see the White Mountains change from green to gold.  Lets put out pumpkins, drink cider, and go for a fall hike.  If you're looking for a perfect fall foliage hike in the White Mountains, here are three easy and stunning fall foliage hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!

View from Ladies Ledge on Square Ledge Hike

Square Ledge, Pinkham Notch

This 1.1 mile out-and-back leaves from the Lost Pond Trailhead.  Park at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and carefully cross route 16 to the trailhead.  The trail crosses over water, then immediately climbs up hill.  There is a nice lookout to Ladies Ledge.  Following the lookout, the trail gets steep and bouldery to climb to the ledge.  The view is stunning and rewards the hiker with a clear view of the Pinkham Notch.  I've also listed it as one of the best family hikes in the Whites. The ledge is very exposed and is also a popular climbing route.  Stay away from climbing ropes and don't throw objects over the edge.  

View from Artist Bluff

Artist Bluff, Franconia Notch

This 1.5 mile loop is located in the northern part of Franconia Notch. Park at the overflow lot to Cannon Ski area and walk to the back of the parking lot where you'll see the trail entrance and sign.  I travel the loop in a clockwise circuit.  The climb is moderate and goes through hardwood forest with multiple peeks at the view of the notch below.  The bluff is located on the descent and provides stunning views of Echo Lake, Cannon mountain, and the Franconia peaks to the left.  During fall, it erupts in color and is a rightly popular photo opportunity.  Continue the loop and get views along the way until you return to parallel the road back to the parking lot.  This trail is also gorgeous in winter!

Mt Willard view

Mt Willard, Crawford Notch

This 3.2 mile out-and-back is one I've written about before.  Park at the Crawford Train Depot, cross the tracks and follow the Avalon Trail until it breaks off to the left.  The first part of the trail is a gentle incline followed by a stream crossing.  After the crossing, the trail ascends through forest with a sweet view at Centennial Pool.  Continue up the trail over moderate terrain.  The last part of the trail levels off through a boreal forest until you emerge at the ledge.  Hikers are rewarded with views looking down the glacier carved Crawford Notch.

Here's How to Avoid the Crowds

These three trails are popular for good reason. They offer some of the best views in the Whites with comparatively minimal effort.  Consider visiting these sites during the weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons to avoid crowds.  Make a back up plan to do a different hike if the trailhead parking is full.  

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Although these hikes are all moderate - they all area climb with uneven footing.  In fall, be prepared for variable weather and bring proper safety equipment.  Here's my list for packing for a fall day hike! Safe Travels! 

I hope you enjoy these three easy and stunning fall foliage hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!

You might also enjoy these posts:

Perfect Family Hike in the Whites

5 Best Fall Hikes in the White Mountains

Fabulous Fall Family Fall Foliage Hikes

Little Harbor Loop Trail - A Portsmouth Treasure

 In my pursuit to find all the best Seacoast hikes, I realized I had left out what many would consider the "capital" of the Seacoast - the city of Portsmouth.  I've done many trails near Portsmouth - Great Bay, Peverly Pond, and Fort Constitution , but very few nature walks actually within the city limits.  I did some research and decided to try Little Harbor Loop Hike.  I liked it so much, the next day I went back with the kids!

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Little Harbor Loop Trail

Getting there:  Little Harbor Loop trail has three possible parking areas along the trail.  One is at Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion located at the address: 375 Little Harbor Road in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  This historic site and grounds is managed by New Hampshire State Parks and offers free parking and a trailhead to the loop.  The other two parking areas are located on the Creek Farm Reservation Property which is maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

The Little Harbor Loop Trial is well signed. 
Follow the yellow blazes!

Trail:  The trailhead to Little Harbor Loop is right in the parking lot to the Wentworth-Coolidge parking lot and marked with a small wooden sign and a gap in the woods.  The important thing to note on this trail is to follow the yellow blazes.  The trail is well marked but there are several unmarked offshoots where a hiker could get off course.  Stay on the yellow trail and you’ll be fine.

The hike begins in the woods.  You will hike over uneven terrain of rocks and roots.  The trail winds through woods, crossing a driveway, passing through two rock walls, and eventually to a trail junction sign that shows you can veer off the loop to the right to visit the “view spur”.  This is definitely worth it.  Take the spur and you will be rewarded with views of the tidal bay, rocky shoreline, and a grassy marsh.  Return the way you came and continue on the yellow-blazed loop.

The trail will cross the road and enter the well signed “Creek Farm Reservation” and second parking lot.  The trail is well signed, but travels along the road - yellow blazes marked on trees on the shoulder until entering the third parking lot for this hike near the Shoals Marine Laboratory and Sagamore Creek Boat Car Top Boat Launch.

The trail continues around the grounds of the impressive building and hugs the shore, curving around an inlet marked on the map as a tidal pool. Continue to follow the yellow blazes (now marked on stones), along the shore with views of Goose Island on your right.  

The trail will cut back inland and travel the road back to the parking lot of Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.

Part of the Little Harbor Loop Trail walks along the road. 
Follow the yellow blazes.

Difficulty: Mostly easy with some root/rocky footing in the first half mile.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Recommendations:

• Little Harbor Loop Trail is managed by the New Hampshire state parks and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.  It is open dawn to dusk.

• A trail map is available on the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion website.

• Dogs are not allowed on the trail.

• At low tide visitors can walk out to some of the close islands and tidal pool areas. Be mindful of the tide so you don’t get stuck.

• The first half mile of the trail from Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion has a series of unmarked offshoot trails.  Stick to the yellow loop so not to impact more areas with unofficial trails- with the exception of the marked viewpoint.

I really enjoyed Little Harbor Loop twice this week. When I brought the kids, we didn't do the full loop - we just went down to the viewpoint and back.  This was the perfect length for my 2 year old.  Afterwards we enjoyed the lawn and waterfront views of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion who's grounds were open to the public.  I hope you get to enjoy it too!

See more photos and adventure on my INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

Little Harbor Loop Trial in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

You might enjoy these similar experiences...

- Cutts Island Trail in Kittery

- Stonehouse Pond in Barrington

- Little River Park Loop in Lee