Layla could barely contain her excitement as we set off on our adventure to witness the stunning lupines in New Hampshire. The day was carefully mapped out, reminiscent of the serendipitous loop Miles and I discovered last year. Despite the slightly gloomy weather, it cooperated just enough for us to embark on our journey, adding a touch of mystique to the landscape.
Our first destination was Grafton Notch State Park, a true gem in the western Maine mountains. With Dunkin’ coffee in hand and an adventurous spirit, we drove through the park, marveling at the lush greenery around us. Our initial stop was Screw Auger Falls, a popular spot for swimming and wading during the summer months. However, the overcast skies meant we had the place all to ourselves. The falls roared with life, their powerful cascades creating a mesmerizing symphony. While tempted to get closer, I wisely stayed back, reminded of the slippery rocks and the tale of the unfortunate moose that gave Moose Cave its name.
Speaking of Moose Cave, that was our next stop. This short loop walk took us down to another set of falls, their thunderous sound echoing through the forest. The path was serene, and though the falls weren’t the most accessible viewpoint, the journey itself was enchanting. I chose caution over curiosity this time, avoiding a too-close encounter with the wet, slippery rocks.
From there, we continued our journey north on Rt 26 through Errol, NH, making our way to the Dixville Notch Wildlife Viewing Area. This spot was one of my “must stops”, as Miles and I had discovered it last year but couldn’t explore it due to his dog Neptune—no pets allowed here. This time, Layla and I were free to explore! However, reality didn’t meet our expectations. The trail was short and ended at a wooden blind next to the road, with no wildlife in sight. The proximity to the road made me uneasy, fearing for any animals that might wander too close to the traffic. Despite the disappointment, the journey itself was beautiful, and the experience added another layer to our adventure.
Undeterred, we pressed on westward on Rt 26 to Colebrook. The drive itself was a visual feast, with impressive cliffs towering above us and vibrant patches of lupines lining the roadside. Each turn offered new breathtaking vistas, and we couldn’t help but stop several times to capture the beauty around us. From Colebrook, we turned south on Rt 3, our eyes peeled for more lupines. We made several spontaneous stops, hopping out to admire the flowers up close and soaking in their vibrant hues.
A quick detour took us to Debanville’s General Store in Bloomfield, Vermont. Though the store was closed (it was Sunday, after all), Layla was thrilled to set foot in Vermont, checking it off her list of states visited. We shared a laugh, taking in the quaint charm of the closed store before continuing on our way.
Next on our list was Polly’s Pancake Parlor, renowned for its picturesque lupine fields. However, to our dismay, the fields were mowed down, with no flowers in sight. We still took a leisurely stroll through the farm fields, savoring the crisp air and the mouthwatering aroma of bacon wafting from the bustling restaurant. Though the lupines were absent, the experience was far from lackluster, and we found joy in the simple pleasures of the day. We still found many fields nearby.
After a quick lunch, we made our way home via the scenic Kancamagus Highway, a route that never ceases to amaze. We paused at the Hancock Overlook, where we were fortunate enough to find a parking spot. The view was, as always, breathtaking, with the vast expanse of the mountains stretching out before us. Our final stop of the day was Sabbaday Falls. This short, accessible hike led us alongside a babbling stream, the sound of water guiding us to the falls. The boardwalk allowed us to get up close and personal with the cascading water, its beauty both calming and invigorating. While not the largest of falls, Sabbaday Falls held its own charm, leaving us in awe of nature’s wonders.
With our hearts full and our spirits high, we called it a day and headed home. The mountains of New Hampshire never disappoint, offering stunning views year-round and endless surprises. Our journey was a tapestry of lupines, hidden gems, and shared moments of wonder. We saw plenty of lupines and even spotted a few deer along the way, adding to the magic of our adventure.
Have you explored these trails? What are your favorite stops in New Hampshire? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s keep the spirit of adventure alive. Here’s to more spontaneous trips, hidden gems, and the thrill of discovery in the near future! Until next time, keep exploring and embrace the beauty of the world around you.
Travel Turtles 