Franconia Ridge via Falling Waters and Old Bridal Path.

Saturday I went on an outstanding 10+mile winter hike with 5 fine lads of Gay Outdoors along the Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. 1 car was stashed at the end of the Liberty Spring Trail, and we parked at Cannon Mountain’s tram parking lot at 9, and walked onto the Greenleaf Trail at 9:30 to hike up to the Greenleaf Hut. From there, we summited Mt Lafayette (elev. 5,250’) at 1:10pm and hunkered down behind some rocks to eat our lunch out of the 50mph wind gusts. Then we descended down the backside of Lafayette south along the Franconia Ridge under sunny skies, peak-bagging Mt. Lincoln (5,089’) and Little Haystack (4,760’) where Alex scrambled out onto an isolated granitic outcropping for a nifty Kodak moment. We then plunged into the back wilderness with either micro spikes or snowshoes to follow the snowy trail on up to the spectacularly bare rocky summit of Mt. Liberty (4,439’) at 5:30, before retracing our steps for 0.3 mile to head down the 3.3-mile Liberty Springs Trail to the stashed car, starting down at 5:45. We popped out of the pitch-black woods with our headlamps and into Steve’s truck at 8pm, totally spent! 10-3/4 hours on the trails for 10.37 miles. Thank you, Jason, for leading this superb expedition, and to my outstanding hiking mates Bob, Alex, Steve and Michael for your camaraderie and good cheer. It was A Good Day.

This was a great day, amazing experiences and ever a few first:

For Michael Jordan this was his 1st: - hiking for over 10 miles and over 7 hours - hiked in the dark with a head lamp - hiked over multiple summits on the same day

For another member it was his 1st - hiked in the dark with a head lamp - hiked for over 10 miles - hiked along a ridge

For photos please check out our Facebook post.

Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette via Falling Waters: These three peaks comprise a beautiful stretch of the Franconia Ridge.

***Elevation (highest point) 5250ft – Mt Lafayette

*Total trip distance 8.1 miles.

 

This trip is considered MODERATE to STRENUOUS. Steep grade (up), distance, pace, exposure, and weather are all definite factors. A major portion of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter or alternate routes.

 

Group will meet at the Falling waters trail head at 9 am and depart by 9:15 am.

 

Trail Details and Distances:

The ascent begins up the Falling Waters Trail. This steep, rough, and rocky trail will have several water crossings. Despite the challenging obstacles this path provides great waterfalls and views throughout the Franconia Notch. The trail will break tree line just before the summit of Little Haystack at 2.8 miles. Heading north following the Franconia Ridge will be fully exposed to weather. Passing over several rock ledge outcroppings the ridge trail reaches Mt Lincoln at 3.5 miles and moves on to Mt Lafayette at 4.3 miles. Spectacular views in all directions. Traveling down the Greenleaf Trail to the AMC Greenleaf Hut at 5.4 miles and then following the Old Bridal Path back to the parking area at 8.1 miles.  

           

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can and do have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. Do not be fooled by lower elevation weather. Weather in higher elevations can be very tricky and unstable. A major portion of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter or alternate routes.

Group Size: It is not fun leaving folks out of trips.

*PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please contact me the days prior to the trip, most likely there is room and if needed this trail will allow us to break the group into smaller groups.  

*Decreasing the impact to the environment is always a priority! Above tree line it is vital to stick to the paths and rocks. Do not stray.

*Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. It may also be possible to collect other hikers’ debris along the way.

 

Weather: The weather for this trip will be monitored the week prior. If it is a concern any updates or cancellation information will be posted by the Friday prior by 6 pm. If it is a cancellation, it will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity.

Safety is a priority! Any time a hiker is injured or lost a HUGE team of volunteers is dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts.

**No one wants to be injured or put other in harm’s way.

**Always be prepared. Know your limits.

**Any questions feel free to contact me.

**Group will meet at the Falling Waters Trail head at 9 am and depart by 915 am.