Mts. Lafayette and Lincoln Loop Hike

After camping overnight at Russell Pond, I drove up to the Falling Waters Trailhead and met up with 5 other GayOutdoor members (David, Christian, Gary, Michael and Chuck).  It was overcast, moderately humid and on the mild side temperature-wise when we hit the trail around 9:15AM.

We started up and quickly came to the trail split for the Bridal Path and Falling Waters Trail and we turned up the Bridal Path.  After numerous breaks we reached the open ledges along the ridge by about 10:30.  There wasn't much of a view unfortunately and there was a pretty good wind.  Continuing on the trail started to become more agressive in grade on its way up to the Greenleaf Hut.  Along the way, David had decided to turn back.  We made it to the hut and took a break inside.  Since the weather was so foggy and uncertain, we held a discussion of what the group wanted to do (while we were having an early lunch...it was about 11:30).  The consensus was to continue to the summit of Mt. Lafayette and play it by ear.  The weather data at the hut had indicated there was a likelihood of thunderstorms and rain...and the wind guage was showing gusts of up to 40-50 mph.  Christian decided to pack it in and head back down.

And then we were four!  It was just before noon when we headed up to the summit and ridge and it wasn't long before we reached the treeline.  At this point the wind definitely picked up and we made it to the top of Mt. Lafayette at 12:45PM.  We hunkered down for a break and shortly thereafter we decided to continue along the ridge for the rest of the hike...making it to Lincoln by 1:40.  The clouds kept looking like they would break with very short glimpses of blue sky above.  On the way over to Little Haystack the cloud cover lifted slightly so that we had limited views through Franconia Notch to Bald Mountain and Franconia and to Owls Head in the Pemigewasset Wilderness...and we could see the parking lot!  We made it Little Haystack by 2:20 and just started down the Falling Waters Trail.  About 15 minutes later we arrived at the short spur trail out to the Shining Rock Cliff.  Here we enjoyed a nice break.  Just as we were headed back to the main trail, it began to lightly rain.  This lasted only about 5 minutes, but as we got closer to the Cloudland and Swiftwater Waterfalls it began to pour!  Despite getting drenched, the waterfalls were really beautiful...I would have thought that they would have been drier or slower running with the relative lack of rain, that we've had this year.  Anyway, just past the last significant falls/cascade it appeared to clear up and there was sun poking through the clouds.  We made good time and got back to the parking lot by just before 5:00PM.  The timing was good, since it was just as we entered the parking lot that the skies let loose with torrential rain.  We ran for our cars, changed and decided where to go afterwards.  Gary had to get back, so he didn't join us.

Chuck led the way and the rest of us followed to Campton for a light meal at the Country Cow Restaurant & Bar at Blair Bridge before calling it a day.  All the weather seemed to be confined to the notch, as it became sunny as soon as we left it and we had a pleasant meal outside by the river.

Thanks to David, Christian, Gary, Michael and Chuck for joining me for this favorite hike...even though it was less than ideal...to say the least!  It wasn't hot though, like alot of the state...that was definitely a big plus!

Join me for this 8.8 mile classic loop hike around Mts. Lafayette and Lincoln (5260' and 5089', respectively).  These are the sixth and seventh highest peaks in the White Mountains and the hike makes for a pretty spectacular day out with the exposed Franconia Ridgeline.  We will utilize the Old Bridle Path on the way up to Lafayette, where we will pass along open ledges, the AMC Greenleaf Hut and Eagle Lakes.  Both summits and the entire ridgeline offers awesome views in all directions.  The descent will be via the Falling Waters Trail off of Little Haystack Mountain (not a 4000-footer, but at an elevation of 4780').  There is a short spur trail to the views off of Shining Rock Cliff on this route.  Lower on the trail we'll pass by the Cloudland and Swiftwater Waterfalls (50-80 foot cascading falls).

There is 3790' in accumulative elevation gain and the exposed ridge is rocky.  It is challenging, but not terribly difficult...it was my very first high elevation hike (over 4000').

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  Typical late summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case...it can also be chilly and windy on the ridgeline).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 4-5PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with dinner/drinks in North Woodstock or Lincoln.

Camping Option:  Contact me, if you wish to join me for camping Saturday night.  Feel free to leave a comment expressing your interest when you sign up and I'll contact you and coordinate.