Summary

Spring is in the air.  Join me, Saturday, May 28-29th for a hike along the Franconia Ridge up the Liberty Spring Trail and along the ridge where we will spend the night at Greenleaf Hut.

Spring is a spectacular time of year where we get to experience the transformation of the landscape from gray to green with a variety of yellow’s and red’s mixed in as buds sprout and leaves emerge.  We will be hiking over two 4,000 footers and two 5,000 footers in one day.  This is a strenuous, but rewarding, hike.  We will need to spot cars meeting at the Old Bridle Path Trail Head from where we will car pool to the Recreational Trail parking lot which leaves slightly north of the Flume Visitor Center on route 3.

From the parking lot we head out Recreational Trail to climb Liberty Springs Trail to tag Mt. Liberty at 4,459’ and 3.6 miles.  I anticipate the hike up the Liberty Trail to be the hardest part of the day, best to knock it our early.  I was on Mt. Liberty January 2nd and the views were indescribable, you will enjoy.  Once we’ve taken in the moment, we’ll hike 1.8 miles to Little Haystack 4,760’, 0.7 miles to Mt. Lincoln 5,089’ and 1 mile to Mt. Lafayette 5,260’.  In addition to enjoying the views at various peaks, we’ll take breaks, hydrate and have lunch.  From Mt. Lafayette we’ll hike 1.1 miles to the Greenleaf Hut where we’ll spend the night.

May 28th, total hiking will be 8.2 miles, some serious views and a well deserved dinner at day’s end.  We want to arrive at the hut late afternoon to unwind and enjoy the splendor of nature (and get a good bunk).  Be sure to have 3 liters of water with you as the map indicates no opportunities for replenishment along the ridge.  For a preview of the day, go to:  http://sectionhiker.com/great-hikes-franconia-ridge-traverse

May 29th, we’ll rise with nature, breakfast, and make our way down Old Bridle Path trail, 2.7 miles to where we’ll find our car(s) and reconnect everyone to their vehicles.

Greenleaf Hut is off-season and in self-serve mode meaning that you bring your own food and cook it at the hut.  Pots, pans, utensils are all provided.  We’ll be sleeping in bunk beds in mid-spring temperatures, however, be prepared for cooler temps – spring in the Whites Mountains can be winter like.  Bring a change of clothes and comfortable footwear for when we chill at the hut.  Spirits are recommended and enjoyed – all in good moderation.  You’re responsible for your main meal but snacks to share are always a good thing.  The cost is $44/night for members and $53/night for non-members. 

As of Thursday, May 5th, there are FIVE bunks available – book now to hold your space as I’m confident the hut will sell out.  You need to make your reservation directly with the Appalachian Mountain Club website:  http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/greenleaf.

Food Recommendation:  I have it on good authority that Ramen Noodles, however easy, are underrated on such trips.  A good frozen meal in your pack, frozen at the start, will be ready to bake in the ovens of the hut.  While baking we can kick back and enjoy some appetizers and your favorite drinks.  Creativity rules!

I have booked a hotel room in New Hampshire for Friday evening and I am willing to share - it will be easier to rise locally for the appointed hiking hour.  Please contact me directly if you would like to do that.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

The parking lot for this hike is located in Franconia Notch I-93, The Lafayette Place Parking.  Take the first exit AFTER The Basin.  We'll meet at 8:15am, count heads, leave behind the necessary car(s) and car pool to our starting point.  Summer 2015 parking was $3 per day; bring lots of singles so we can contribute appropriately.