Driving up 93N on this beautiful sunny day, loving the blue skies and the 60 degree temperature displayed on my car's dashboard. I am excited for what looks like awesome weather after what seems like years of cloudy skies. And then I hit the southern tip of the notch....
The sky is looking more grey than blue, and I laugh as the temp display drops from 61 degrees down to 47 degrees in the time it takes for me to get off 93 and park in the Flume-Gorge visitor center lot. I shouldn't be surprised. I've had plenty of experience with the mercurial weather mood of the Notch. And it makes me glad that even though the forecast was blue skies and upper 50s, I have several layers in my pack. (I advise always having multiple layers in your bag, no matter how short the hike/walk).
On the short (30ish) minute walk from the parking lot up the snow/ice-packed trail to the lower edge of the Gorge, the clouds come in and completely cover the sky, dropping the temperature even further.
In the summer you can follow the boardwalk and stairs through the entire gorge, walking along the rushing rivers and many waterfalls. However, in the winter the boardwalk only goes so far and then the planks have been pulled up for the season so the stalactites-like icicles can form unimpeded down the sides of the gorge. You can walk up to a certain point and look up into the gorge, but there is a sign indicating that you stop and only proceed if you have the right climbing gear. (which I do not). So, I stretch up as high as I can to look up and over and admire the tan-blue-green-white icicles, before turning back to complete the shorter loop back to the visitor center lot. There is a trail that takes you up to the top of the gorge where you can look down into the impressive chasm. However, it started to rain, and while I am not normally deterred by a sprinkle, the windy chill that accompanied it and the wanning light (I got a later start that I had wanted) convinced me to turn back earlier than planned.
While the path was manageable with only a sturdy pair of boots, I elected to use my crampons, and I'm glad I did, as it just gives that extra grip and security on the slick surfaces. I would recommend anyone thinking of heading that way to make sure they are taking care with their footing as I saw several individuals slipping and sliding around. It can be fun and add to the challenge a bit, but I also saw one person take a hard spill and they did not look like they were enjoying their day out.
On my way back home, looking north I can see blue skies, and driving south I hit blue skies again as soon as I get out of the Notch. But in between those mountains is raining. Lesson of the day: Franconia Notch Makes Its Own Weather! Be prepared!
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