Franconia Ridge - Mt. Lincoln & Lafayette

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Franconia Ridge - Mt. Lincoln & Lafayette

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 8.5 miles / 13.7 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: This is a very popular full day hike for good reasons. On a clear day, you are unlikely to find better views in New England. Combine this with strenuous and nerve-wrecking hiking on the 'knife-edge' between Mts. Little Haystack, Lincoln and Lafayette and you have the recipe for a great day out.

As a bonus you will ascend three 4000 footers, including the highest mountain outside the Presidential Range - Mt. Lafayette.

Tips: I see many people doing this hike in tennis shoes and T-shirts. Please don't! Although this is one of the more hiked routes, the weather can change quickly and on the ridge there is very little to no protection from the weather. As always, bring good footgear, rain clothes and extra clothes.

This is a long and strenuous hike, so make sure to bring plenty of food and water.

Points of Interest

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Lafayette Campground, Elevation 1450ft

The campground gets really busy, so make sure to book well in advance if you plan on staying here. If you have a car, I recommend staying at the nearby Waterest Campground (www.waterestcampground.com/)

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Trailhead parking

There is limited parking at the trailhead and the trail gets very busy during weekends and holidays. Make sure to arrive early. If the parking lot is full, people can park along I93 or across the road at Lafayette Campground.

Restrooms are located just after the start of the trail.

Start the hike at 'Falling Waters Trail', which is rather steep, but good for ascending the mountains

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Waterfall

You will experience many waterfalls on your way up

IMG_0284.jpg (Mittersill, New Hampshire, United States) Photo

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Shinning Rock

This is a little detour of roughly 200yds to a large rock-slab with great overlooks. Don't try to climb the slippery slides!

Franconia - weather is closing in.... Photo

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Welcome to the Alpine zone

You are about to enter the tree line. If it is a cold day, make sure that you get extra clothes on now. The ridge is very exposed, so expect temperatures to drop dramatically over the next few yards on a windy day.

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Little Haystack Mountain, Elevation 4459ft

Welcome! You are now on top of the first 4000 footer of the day. To the east you can see the presidential range, with Mt. Washington towering above everything else. Closer to the east, you can see Twin Mt., Mt. Guyot, Mt. Bond and Bond Cliff. To the west you can see Mt. Moosilauke and the dramatic granite wall of Canon Mountain. On a good day you may get a peak into the Adirondacks.

IMG_0294.jpg (Mittersill, New Hampshire, United States) Photo

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Mt. Lincoln, Elevation 5089ft

After a great climb from Little Haystack, you are now on top of the second 4000 footer of the day. Prepare for the last climb up to Mt. Lafayette.

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Mt. Lafayette, Elevation 5249ft

Congratulations on having climbed 3800ft over roughly 5miles and hit the third and final 4000 footer of the day. Mt. Lafayette is the highest mountain outside the presidental range in New Hampshire and on a clear day you will have amazing views all around.

If the weather is bad or windy, make sure you huddle down behind the old walls on the west-side of the mountain, before turning your nose down the mountain.

IMG_0304.jpg (Mittersill, New Hampshire, United States) Photo

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Old Bridle Path/Greenleaf Trail

Pick up the old bridle path for a relatively easy hike down the mountain.

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AMC Greenleaf hut, Elevation 4200ft

Stop by the AMC-run Greenleaf hut and enjoy freshly cooked brownies and some cold water.

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Viewpoint

Step off the trail to the left onto a massive rock and you will be able to get some impressive views of the ravines and Mt. Lafayette

IMG_0324.jpg (Mittersill, New Hampshire, United States) Photo

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Viewpoint

Turn your head and you will be able to see the entire ridge in all its glory.

Pictures in this guide taken by: kga1978, buckwheat_hiker

How does this work?

"I see many people doing this hike in tennis shoes and T-shirts. Please don't! Although this is one of the more hiked routes, the weather can change quickly ..."

Do not underestimate this mountain. This hike can be especially dangerous if the weather deteriorates. To reach the summit, you will be significantly above treeline, where there is virtually no protection from the elements. People who were unprepared for severe weather have died hiking this very route.

Here is just one story: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2004/News_2004_Q1/Lafayette_SandR_032304.htm

by buckwheat_hiker on Oct 11, 2010