Chocorua & The Lakes Region (Part 3 – 7/18-20)

Saturday the 18th was a very rainy day, which worked out well because it gave Doug a rest day after Friday’s hike to the waterfall.

Sunday was beautiful, so we got in the truck after breakfast to go to the last three places on our “must see” list (for this trip). Number 1 was Cathedral Ledge in Echo Lake State Park, which I first learned about from an article on ice climbing in Yankee Magazine (thanks to my brother and SIL for that gift subscription). The drive to the top was steep, and the views didn’t disappoint.

We parked here, but didn’t take this trail

I grabbed this shot of these two young climbers as we were leaving the park

Continuing on, we drove back up to Pinkham Notch.

We purchased a set of trail maps a few days ago, and I discovered another access point for the Appalachian Trail – maybe this would be
“do-able” for us seniors??

I continued on for a short distance while Doug waited

Another couple our age passed us as we were walking towards the trail access. It was at this point when I saw them returning, for reasons you can see here (the gentleman was also wearing a knee brace).

Walking back to the visitor center, Doug took this close-up of Mt. Washington, a popular and challenging hike from the visitor center.

They have an excellent cafe at the visitor center, along with a store and gift shop, rest rooms & showers for thru-hikers as well as a gear/prep room. Additionally, the Appalachian Mountain Club has a lodge for overnight guests. It’s a beautiful complex.

After an enormous lunch, we drove back towards Chocorua, stopping at Lake Chocorua to take pix of this most-photographed mountain named after the legendary Native American Chief.