|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Ascend the Frankenstein cliffs, as we did on Halloween. The trail head is easy to find at the lower parking lot but with autumn leaves on the ground it was easy to lose the trail after it crossed a brook. The trail runs parallel to the railroad tracks just down hill of the tracks. It eventually loops under the bridge to ascend the cliffs. The actual trail differs from the one on the topo map. When you look at the map you will see two trails - one with a few dots - the map version and one with lots of dots (from the gps) which was the actual trail. Trailhead: Route 302 in Crawford Notch a few miles west of the Sawyer Rock Picnic area. There are two parking lots and you can use either to start your ascent of the cliffs. (Lat:44.14753 Lon:-71.37014) Trail Guides for Frankenstein Cliff - Arethusa Falls: AMC White Mountain Guide by Appalachian Mountain Club (Appalachian Mountain Club) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Saco District Ranger, 603 447 5448 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jon Willard, who has posted 54 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JC on 8/11/2009 We hiked the route in reverse - having not hiked in 2 years it was a bit ambitious on our part and the trails particularly in the Frankenstein Cliff area were poorly marked and muddy, or had loose ankle-busting rocks. The view from the cliff was somewhat mitigated by the fact that we could see our car in the parking lot below as a tiny dot, and realized that we still the vast majority of the hike left. Not sure if I'd recommend it with the current conditions of the trail. 
Reviewed by DMJ on 7/20/2009 Hiked the Frankenstein Cliff yesterday first and then did the loop to the falls and surrounding area. I must say from all the rain, the trail gong up was indeed wet and muddy and the rocks slippery, but was spectacular once at the top! Worth the effort!
Reviewed by Gil on 6/8/2009 Nice hike with great views. We went in June would love to go back in April when there is more run off from the snow.
Reviewed by JRS on 10/26/2008 We hiked to the falls then completed the Frankenstein Cliff loop in 3 hours. The falls was a moderate uphill challenge while the decent of the Frankenstein loop was very challenging at times with all of the leaves down. The view of the Saco was beautiful as well as the other mt. tops in view. I would reccommend this hike to anyone who wants a moderate cardio workout and an exciting decent!
Reviewed by Jay on 11/13/2007 We hiked this loop on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. A clear cool day. Temp around 32 at the start with moderate wind gusts. We started toward the cliff first. We were glad we did. The first mile was tough. The leaf fall on the ground made the footing tricky, since we often couldn't see the roots and rocks that make up that part of the trail. As a result, a half mile in, my wife took a bad fall that tore through her pant leg and thermals, but luckily the knee was only skinned. We almost gave up at the one mile mark, but fortunately a couple of hikers that passed us called down encouragement, telling us that the hardest part was almost over. Glad they did. We pushed on and enjoyed the entire loops. 
Reviewed by kristi on 10/10/2007 a beautiful, eye popping, fantastic view
Reviewed by Bob on 8/19/2007 We did the Arethusa hike in mid July 2007 and it was breathtaking. A very moderate hike along the trail took us about 1 hour at a relaxed pace. The view from the base of the falls was well worth the hike.On the way back down we took the bemis brook trail, a little difficult at firstBut WELL worth it, there is a fairly steep root ladder to climb down, but once at the bottom the trail is fairly even and not too difficult. Along the Bemis Brook trail you will encounter amultitude of smaller falls that are each just as beautiful as the next. We plan on hiking up the riverbed later in the fall. Will add review after we do.
Reviewed by Amy on 8/6/2007 We hiked with kids ages 5&9 on Aug. 4th 2007. We hiked Arethusa Falls first enjoyed the beautiful falls. There were a lot of people at the falls that Sat. The Arethusa trail was moderate for our boys. After spending time at the falls we choose the Frankenstein Cliff trail. This trail was very challenging for all of us. It was some what overgrown. The cliff overlook was georgous and worth the hike. The condiditons were very dry. Much of the trail was so loose that it was hard to stay on track and not slide down the face of the mountain. It was not well marked from the cliffs down the bottom of the trail. The boys did an excellant job and no one got hurt. It took us a total of 6-7 hours to hike including a 20 min. stop at falls. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Hampshire Hiking, New Hampshire Trails, New Hampshire Hikes, Carroll County Hiking, Carroll County Trails, Carroll County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||