Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop
Within Crawford Notch in the White Mountain National Forest, these was great trail with lots of good views looking South towards Hart’s Location and and Route 302 coming through the Notch.
The hike was challenging to start with a steep incline going up to Frankenstein Cliff with leaf covered trails making it hard to stay on the path. Great views of the cliff side going up and more great views of the surrounding areas. The top was flatter with a mossy forest and many fallen trees giving a spooky atmosphere in a chilly late October day with an incoming storm in the late morning.
Falcon Cliff gave a pretty similar view to Frankenstein Cliff. Once a bit past the Falcon Cliff off shoot the trail flattened out and started a descent the rest of the way to the trail head.
Arethusa Falls had some stairs headed down which led to a nice basin with great views off the water fall. Sleet started coming down and only heavier until getting lower down to the trail head when it changed to a cold rain.
Bemis Brook Trail had a very technical roots and rocks descent but followed the Bemis Brook the rest of the way down with plenty of good area to stop and jump in the water on a warm day.
There were multiple people on the trails to Arethusa Fall and Bemis Brook Trail when heading down around 11:00 AM.
Hikers: Jon & Lizzy
Time In: 07:59
Time Out: 11:33
Looking North from train tracks, the trail crosses below, but once you pass below there is a side trail which goes up to the tracks
Starting the climb up the rock scramble to Frankenstein Cliff, it is steep getting to here and a little further past it as well, it had some small water running off the cliff
Top of the cliff with a mossy, woody area with many fallen trees
View looking South from Frankenstein Cliff over the notch headed towards Crawford Notch
Peak Finder of Frankenstein Cliff South view. Mount Chocorua in the distance
View of Arethusa Falls
View of Bemis Falls