2016 Favorite Images, White Mountains – Wow, another year is coming to an end! It is that time of year to look back on a years worth of shooting, and share with you the ten photographs that stand out to me from 2016. The included images are not necessarily my best images, but they are the most memorable from 2016.

It has been a great year for me both on a professional and personal level. I visited and photographed a bunch of new areas in the White Mountains region this year. And my appreciation for the backcountry gets stronger and stronger every year. We truly are blessed to have the White Mountain National Forest. I do hope more conservation efforts are made in the future to preserve the landscape of the White Mountains.

In New Hampshire, there are only a handful of places where we can go and feel like we are in God’s Country. And Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is one of these places. The view of the Presidential Range (above) from along the Presidential Range Rail Trail makes this Refuge unique. I visit the Refuge every year to create imagery.

I spent time this year photographing forgotten waterfalls in the White Mountains region. In my endless research of the White Mountains, I have become amazed to all the named cascades and waterfalls that have been forgotten about over the years. The stand out for this year I believe is known as Quarta Cascade (above) along Cold Brook in Randolph. Quarta Cascade is just one of the many cascades along Cold Brook.

I am still in awe of the autumn foliage season we had here in the White Mountains. It was just unbelievable! The above scene from Wildlife Pond in Bethlehem is very simple, but yet represents the awesome autumn foliage season we had. I am not sure any future foliage season will top the 2016 season.

In 2016, I spent many days in the backcounty of the White Mountains documenting abandoned hill farm communities. And one of my favorite photos is of the abandoned Talford Brook mill (above) in Thornton Gore. I believe the metal object seen in the photo is the centerpiece of the water wheel.

I was focused on abandoned hill farm communities this year and my time shooting the historic railroads was limited. One of the railroads I did shoot was the old Maine Central Railroad in Hart's Location. And one of my favorite locations along the railroad is the Willey Brook Trestle (above). The history surrounding this trestle is amazing!

I started shooting a small personal project this year in Franconia Notch. And I spent a few days around Artists Bluff, Bald Mountain, Cannon Mountain, and Echo Lake (above). I have come to the conclusion that Echo Lake is beautiful any time of day. It is just a great spot to visit.

I spent a lot of time this year shooting in the Northern Presidential Range. The landscape of this area is beautiful and very rugged. And I think the view from Durand Lake (above) in Randolph showcases these two features of the area. The view from Durand Lake is one of my favorites along the Route 2 corridor.

I have been following the restoration efforts on the Fabyan Guard Station (above) over the last few years. And it looks great! Built in 1923 by Clifford Graham this is the last remaining guard station in the White Mountain National Forest. Being a history buff, I love seeing these historic buildings brought back to life.

As I look back at a full year of shooting, Rollo Fall (above) best represents the year I had. As a photographer, I have slowed down this year to enjoy these special places that I have had the privilege of photographing. And this mindset I am taking into the new year.

During the month of December is the best time to shut down for a few days, so I will be taking time off to spend with family and friends. And if you haven’t purchased one of my 2017 New Hampshire calendars yet, I do still have some available. Be safe on the trails and Happy Holidays to you.

Happy image making..

To license any of the above images for usage in publications, click on the image.

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Erin Paul Donovan

Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC

Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.