The Spooky Lakes Of The Clouds Hike Will Lead You To The Haunted AMC Hut
By Michelle|Published October 25, 2019
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Michelle
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Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
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This time of year in New Hampshire, what could be better than getting outside in New Hampshire? One answer: making it spooky! There are quite a few hikes through foggy forests, but this route actually leads to someplace haunted. While not one of the easiest hikes in the state, it’s the only one that leads to a hut with a very creepy past.
HIkers from all over the world come to Mount Washington to experience the best outdoors in New Hampshire. One of the most popular destinations among experienced hikers is the Lakes of the Clouds. And an overnight stay at the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) hut of the same name is a great way to experience it.
Before the hut, another shelter built in 1901 existed. After two hikers perished attempting to hike Mount Washington, it was clear that a way to stay safe in the event of inclement weather was necessary.
New Hampshire’s most famous mountain experiences some of the harshest winter conditions in the world. There have been wind speeds measured at more than 230 mph, the highest recorded anywhere!
The souls of these lost hikers are said to still roam the area. The haunting is known as “the presence.” This “Presence" exists through the areas near the hut, often being felt by visitors.
One of the spookiest stories to come out of the hut involves an AMC member named George who was sent to open the hut at the beginning of the season. When he didn’t return and a team was sent to find him he was hiding under a sink, terrified. He reported seeing a crowd of ghoulish faces.
One feature of the hut are the boots nailed to the wall. These are intended to keep them from walking away after their owners were killed on the mountain.
While we love this spooky tale, it's not all doom and gloom here! Most of the time things here are cheery and fun. Hikers fill the space in the summertime and communal meals are a beloved tradition.
So, don't let a few spirits keep you from moving those legs! But, if you DO crave a good haunting, ask others for their take on the place.
To find out how you can visit the Lake of the Clouds hut along with their other (less-spooky, but just as fun!) AMC huts, check out their website. While the hut can be reached using many different trails we love the ones that begin at the Cog Railway.
If hiking to haunted places is a bit too much effort, consider visiting 8 of the most haunted hotels in New Hampshire. They might just make your stay a…nightmare!
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