The Franconia Ridge Trail provides outstanding views of the surrounding area (weather permitting) especially this time of year as the area provides fantastic fall foliage views.

On Our hike we will climb the Falling Waters Trail.   Once on the ridge we hike over Little Haystack Mtn, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Lafayette.  We then hike down to Greenleaf Hut (via the Greenlraf Trail) then use the Bridle Path for the descent.

This hike is a very popular so expect the trails to be fairly busy.  

So far The weather forecast looks great for this hike.

Estimated Elevation Gain: 3,350 feet
Estimated Round Trip Distance: 8.75 miles
Estimated  Duration (with lunch): 8 hours

Hiking Essentials:  See the following link for recommendations from GayOutdoors:

https://www.gayoutdoors.org/page.cfm?typeofsite=storydetail&id=992&storyset=yes

Meet at the trailhead for the Franconia ridge trails.

From the south - Take I-93 - once in the notch the highway becomes one lane - trailhead parking exit is marked and is shortly after “The Basin” exit.  

From the north - Take I-93 and park at the Lafayette Campground.  There is a pedestrian tunnel to cross the highway and access the trailhead.

WARNING -  these two parking areas fill up fast.  See the link below for alternatives.   https://www.nhstateparks.org/activities/hiking/franconia-notch-hiker-parking

NOTE:  there is parking north of Lafayette Campground - it is accessed via  I-93 south bound and has a sign for tailhead parking.  Using this lot you can walk approximately 2 miles (along the Pemi Trail) to the campground and access the trailhead from there.  If parking here please plan ahead so you are at the trailhead at 8:30.