The weather looked good again so I decided to hike at Franconia Notch! Left my house at 0930 and used US-4, NH-118, NH-25 and I-93 to get there. The drive was pleasant, with great views of Mascoma Lake, Mount Cardigan and the Kinsman/Cannon ridge at the Notch. When I arrived (1100), I found that almost all of the trailhead parking lots were full and I had trouble locating the AT crossing. Parked at The Basin area and walked north on the (paved) State Park Multipurpose Trail to Lafayette Place Campground, following the Pemigewasset River. Got a map from one of the volunteers there and then walked south again until I located the AT (East side of I-93, near Whitehouse Bridge). The day was overcast and cool (low 50s) and lots of people were out, biking, walking and picnicking. Started SOBO (1300) on the AT from the intersection of the Liberty Spring Trail, crossed under the Interstate and headed up the Cascade Brook section. There was a sign that said a bridge was out on the river above and I got more information from a dad and son who were hiking down from Lonesome Lake. They were the only people I saw on the AT during this phase. The section was initially steep but eventually leveled out - but the rocks and mud kept me busy (balance, footing). Realized when I reached Cascade Brook (1.5 miles) that I’d incorrectly identified the landmark for my turnaround in 2015. I should have noted a return to the intersection of the Kinsman Pond Trail. This added a half mile to my hike but the larger challenge was that I was going to have to cross the river without a bridge. It took a while but I found a place with (mostly) dry footing and finished the outbound leg pretty easily. Did pretty well coming back down and was going to start across the Cascade Brook again (to switch to the Cascade Trail) when I encountered a young couple with their two dogs. They all got drenched in the crossing but the humans thought they should share advice about the “best place” to get over. I waited until they had gone into the woods and then retraced my steps - didn’t fall in this time either! Looked up as I came out of the rocks and saw that I’d had an audience (four young people). From then on, I followed a blue blazed trail to my car. This route had amazing views of several different waterfalls - very pretty. But it was also very well traveled (I stopped counting the people), slippery (rocks, mud and many roots) and included another river crossing. I was fortunate to get across unscathed during my third ford of the day but heard several couples screaming at each other about the wetness and danger. Was glad to make it to the end of the trail (1500) after almost eight miles for the day. It was a good time to be leaving - there were probably 50 bikers arriving as I left the Basin area and reached the parking lot... Felt good to be able to hike in this area again - after all my hikes on the west side of I-93, I feel like I should turn my attention to the east side. As I was leaving the area, I tried to locate the AT Trailhead at Liberty Springs but wasn't able to find it (1530). Ended up northbound on I-93 again so kept going... I was going to use US-302 to get back to NH-10 and I-91 but there was construction. I got gas in Littleton (NH) at 1600 and then continued north on I-93 to the intersection with I-91 - then followed it all the way back (on the Vermont side of the Connecticut) to the Norwich exit. Crossed back into New Hampshire and arrived at my house by 1720. It was a great day to be outside and I'm looking forward to returning to the Franconia Notch area again! AT Today = 1.50 miles / G.T. AT = 1576.56 miles
