1. Hike: Franconia Notch State park
Franconia Notch State Park is beautiful all year, but the best time to go is in the fall to see the foliage! I stayed in the White Mountains in the summer and took Max for a hike up Artist Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch State Park. This trail is extremely popular, crowded, and touristy in the fall to the point you will have to wait in line on the trail to get a picture at the top. We went in the summertime and there were no crowds. This trail is a 1.4 mile loop. The short stretch of trail just before the summit is a very steep scramble up large rocks. It was difficult for me to climb and also hold the leash in one hand. I was nervous that it was too steep for Max but he surprised me and handled the climb better than I did. Another lovely hike is the Basin Cascade Trail. This 2.5 mile out and back trail follows a river with multiple waterfalls and pools. There are plenty of opportunities for your dog to get a drink or take a swim. However, be careful when there have recently been heavy rains, as the river can really pick up speed. People have drowned here.
2. Visit: Dog Mountain
Dog Mountain is only one hour away in St. Johnsbury, Vermont and absolutely worth the drive. Dog Mountain is a place where your dog is free to swim, play, run, and hike off leash with other dogs. You will also find a gift shop and a chapel that pays tribute to all the dogs that have crossed the rainbow bridge. This is one of Max’s favorite places to visit! He always runs around with the gift shop dog, Maggie.
3. Stay: Lumen Nature Retreat
Where can you and your dog stay that is central to both Franconia Notch State Park and Dog Mountain? Look no further than Lumen Nature Retreat. Lumen offers luxury cabins and glamping tents. We stayed in a cabin hygge that overlooked the river and Max was in heaven! He absolutely loved swimming in the river, sitting by the fire, and watching the wildlife from the floor to ceiling glass window that faces the river from the cabin. An added bonus for the humans: two private saunas on the property that you can book at any time! Lumen offers the kind of peaceful surroundings that would be enjoyable no matter what season you book.
