Ammonoosuc Inn & Restaurant

While Visiting Crawford Notch - Hike the Saco Lake Trail

One of the Crawford Notch region’s lesser known, lesser used paths, this mixed trail- and-road loop hike circles the picturesque six-acre pond at the top of the Notch, just north of the narrow Gateway. The trail walk is just 0.3 mile in length, while the road walk alongside the pond’s western shore is 0.2 mile. Feature attractions include the darkly wooded crags and ledges known as Idlewild, the ample views westward toward the peaks of the Willey and Rosebrook Ranges, and a small canine grave-yard dating back to the early years of this century. The blue-blazed trail begins at the south end of the lake near a small parking area. It crosses the lake’s outlet on a bridge, then enters the woods as it begins to circle the pond. Passing over several log bridges-guaranteed to delight young hikers-the trail soon reaches Idlewild, a two-tiered ledge from which are obtained excellent views of Saco Lake, the nearby mountains, and the former Crawford House site. Idlewild is accessed by a short, steep stone-step path, which is no doubt easier to ascend than the wooden ladders once used by hotel guests to get to the top of the ledge. Iron railings stretch across the ledge to prevent visitors from falling forward. From Idlewild the trail continues its circuit of the lake, passing over more log bridges, passing by more viewpoints, and passing near the dog graveyard, reached in 50 feet by a path to the right. The woods path ends a short distance from Saco Lake’s northwest comer where there is a fine view across the water towards Mount Webster. Continue left from here along the highway for the short walk back to your vehicle.