Parking at the lot for Echo Lake on Rt. 18, Franconia, NH

I have done this hike with Ryan in the winter so it was fantastic to experience it again with Mike in the fall! Mike and I parked at a different lot than Ryan and I had. From the lot we crossed the street and headed right until and almost immediately there was a steep cut up to the path. We took that. We confirmed with another hiker that we were on a loop that could take us to Bald Mountain or Artists Bluff. We decided to head toward the left.

A little while in we passed the lot that I had previously parked in and thankfully it had port-a-potties. Once we continued up the hill from that lot, very much of the path was familiar to me. The entire way up Bald Mountain I was remembering what it looked like in the snow etc. On the contrary, the way to Artists Bluff and back were not what I remembered at all. In my defense, Ryan and I had done much of the return sliding on our bums, but still I didn’t recognize where I was at all.

Most of this hike is relatively easy, but there are some rocks and steep parts to navigate. I was surprised at the amount of tourists in loafers and casual shoes. I made an error in judgement telling a very stylish woman in her dress booties that she was almost there and doing great. (She was clearly struggling). I meant it to be encouraging, but you could tell from her face she thought I was being condescending. I instantly felt like an ass.

Adventurers included: Mike & Jes