Franconia Ridge Hike

What an epic hike!  Bob led five (and at one point six) hikers over what is probably the most well-known trail in the White Mountains, the Franconia Ridge Trail.  We really lucked out, as the original forecast for Friday into Saturday included heavy rain. The storm ended up coming a day early, and Saturday was dry, with a lingering overcast of clouds.  We started the day at the Falling Waters Trailhead and headed east toward Little Haystack Mountain.  In another stroke of luck, a group of approximately 20 hikers were starting up the trail as we arrived—promising the snow would be well-packed!  Because of this, our group decided to ditch our heavy snowshoes and opt for microspikes. 

The trail offers gorgeous views of waterfalls and cascades of frozen icicles—truly a beautiful sight.  As we continued to climb, the little bit of sun we had in the morning started to recede behind clouds.  As we approached the alpine zone, the grips of winter were still very visible, notably with rime ice accenting vegetation and cairns along the path.  Although the clouds obstructed our views, the ridge hike to Lincoln, North Lincoln, and ultimately Lafayette at 5,249’ is always awe-inspiring. 

After a quick break and photo on Lafayette, we started our descent.  Just as we were leaving the summit, the clouds started to break up and we were afforded some spectacular views of blue skies and undercast coming off the ridge.  We met up with JT at the Greenleaf Hut and shared lunch.  Bob had brought his sled and had a great time sliding down many of the steeper parts of the Greenleaf Trail.  My ski pants allowed me to slide down 3-4 hills myself until a hidden rock hitting my tailbone put an abrupt end to that!  Bob’s sled also broke at one point, so I guess the luck we had earlier in the hike eventually wore off.  :)   We wrapped up the hike mid-afternoon, tired but grateful for the experience.  Thank you so much for this wonderful adventure, Bob!  I can't think of a better way to end the winter hiking season. 

Let's complete the Winter Hiking Season on one of the most scenic trails on the White Mountains.  This hike is 8.1 miles long with a total elevation gain of about 3800ft.  We will hike at a moderate pace up the Falling Waters Trail to the ridge line, then follow the ridge over Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette, and then descend to the Hut & then to the parking lot via the Old Bridle Path Trail.  If it is too windy/cold to do the hike, we will just climb up the Bridle Path trail to the Hut.

The hike will take about 8-9 hours including lunch on the summit or hut. 

Microspikes and possibly snowshoes will be needed.  An update on trail conditions will be sent out a few days before the hike.

Hikers are invited to an après hike potluck/get-together after the hike at my house in Sugar Hill NH.

If you have questions about winter hiking or gear needed, please email me.  Hikers can stay at my house on Friday and/or Saturday nights if desired.