Pemi Cascades

Arvind Saraf Franconia bus landmark elev dist time Basin lot (N. on 7) 1520 0 11:00am Lonesome Lake Tr. (left on 5) 1770 1.9mi 12:00 Lonesome Lake 2740 3.0mi 2:00 lunch     3:40 Cascade Brook Tr. (9) 2740 3.1mi 3:45 Rocky Glen Falls 2084 4.4mi 4:15 Basin Cascades Tr. (S. on 8) 2084 4.5mi 4:45 Basin lot (N. on 7) 1520 5.5 6:00pm

The trail starts and ends at the Lafayette Campground. From the back left corner of the campground, join the trail going left: It goes south on the campground road that follows most closely along the west bank of the river, crosses the Lonesome Lake Trail, and enters the woods between campsites 67 and 68. It continues close to the river until it intersects the Basin-Cascades Trail, 50 yds west of the Basin. It turns here onto the Basin-Cascades Trail, but the wrong way. Take the Basin-Cascades trail right, or west.

The Basin-Cascades trail runs along Cascade Brook, with many small side paths, and, well, cascades. The footing is rough, and take your time on this path; the worst that happens is less time at the lake.

As you meet the Cascade Brook Tr. at the top of Basin Cascades, for a good view of Rocky Glen Falls from above, walk cautiously about 60yd. down the brook bank.

Lonesome lake has a rocky beach and pier at one end, and a sandy area at the other. It's a wonderful place to eat lunch, swim, and perhaps read a while. Short expeditions up the Lonesome Lake trail, visiting the Lonesome Lake Hut, etc. are encouraged.

The last part of the trail is a relatively steep descent down the Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake trails, ending up at the Lafayette Lot. There's plenty of time; be careful not to twist an ankle.

I have stolen heavily from the White Mountain Guide for this summary.