TRIP D ON 2/12/16 DUE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER:  Valentine's Day is blowing a very cold heart at us and we must change our trip from Feb. 14th to Feb. 15th.  On Valentine's Day Franconia Notch is expecting a high temp of -3 and wind chills as low as -42F with 15mph steady winds, gusts to 25mph!  The new date, Monday, is expected to be calm and around 19F for a high.

This will be a great winter walk for everyone, experienced or not.  Uncertain about winter hiking, or new to GO?  Come along!

We will walk the two mile walking path through the park.  In summer this path is graded smooth so winter walking will not be difficult.  There are several interesting natural features and two covered bridges along the way.  We may be able to watch some ice climbing in action as we approach the south entrance into the gorge, but we will use the Rim Path to bypass the actual gorge itself.  It is too dangerous inside the gorge for winter travel.

Some water or a beverage, and a light snack is encouraged.  Be prepared for the cold weather we may experience.  The trail is not exposed, but the mountains can get cold in this region.  This walk will not require any technical gear in the right conditions.  But, if icy or snowy conditions develop please bring either snowshoes, microspikes , or some other type of traction for the walk.  If we get a recent and significant snowfall snowshoes may be necessary.  Snowshoes can be rented through EMS or REI.  I have three pair of extra snowshoes for whoever makes the first request.  For traction you can find the popular, and sturdy microspikes at many outdoor equipment stores for around $65, or you can use the cheaper Yak-trax which sell for around $20.  Keep in mind if you purchase Yak-trax that they only work well for places like driveways and smooth paths, they are not sturdy enough to resist abrasion from rocks and such found on most hiking trails.

There is no entry fee for the park in the winter and there is no parking fee.  Here are some useful links:

A map of the park

Park information

A video I made of the Flume Gorge

Please do not hesitate if you have any questions about the trip.  You may either contact Mark or me about anything that may come to mind.

From Interstate 93 north take exit 34A onto US Route 3 north.  The Flume Gorge/Park Information Center is about 0.6 miles on your right where we will meet.  The parking lot is plowed for winter use and is shared by snowmobiles, cross-country skiers, and hikers.  Tho total distance from Interstate  93 at the Mass. border to the parking lot is about 105 miles.