Summary

FUN hike on these 5,000 footers in the Franconia Range followed by a swim/BBQ at the Mad River Lodge!

With an elevation of 5,260 feet, Mt. Lafayette stands as the highest mountain in the Franconia Range and the tallest peak in the White Mountains outside of the Presidential Range.  Mount Lincoln’s [5,089 feet] craggy top presents views just as stunning as those from Lafayette, and with over two miles of continuous views the loop hike over the two summits is one of the most popular treks in the White Mountains!

Round trip distance: 8.9 miles
Vertical feet: 3850
Approximate time: 7 hours

We will ascend using the Old Bridle Path where at 1.9 miles we reach the first of three spectacular open ledge viewpoints. We’ll reach the Greenleaf Hut at 2.9 miles and then make our ascent up to Mt. Lafayette reaching it at 4 miles. We’ll cross the ridge reaching Mt. Lincoln at 5 miles. We’ll continue on the ridge reaching Little Haystack at 5.7 miles. We’ll then descend 3.2 miles back to our vehicles using the Falling Waters Trail with spectacular waterfalls!

What to wear/bring: Wear clothing suitable for the hike in layers...no cotton or blue jeans.  Have a rain jacket in the event of inclement weather. Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike. Contact us if you have any questions. 

Boston Area Carpooling: Save money by sharing gas/toll expenses and get to know fellow GO members better! Don't be shy. Contact other Bostonians to find a convenient location for you to meet such as a T-Stop, Commuter Line Stop, or a parking lot of a store familiar to you all! Don't forget to tip the driver! 

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley for a swim in the Mad River, relax on our deck [BYOB and bring snacks] and a BBQ! We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Please let us know you will join us for the BBQ so we have enough food. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday nights. It's $25 for Friday night, $35 for Saturday that includes dinner or $60 for the weekend. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

We will meet at the trailhead for the Franconia ridge trails.  This is easily accessible from I-93.  Heading north on I-93, stay alert as the road narrows to one lane going north in Franconia Notch.  Almost immediately as it narrows, you will see a big brown sign directing you to exit right for Trailhead Parking.  Exit there and park anywhere.  We are driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck. There is also parking on the west side of the Interstate at Lafayette Campground.  If you are heading north, you will need to continue driving to the exit for Cannon Mtn, where you will crossover, and head back south towards the campground.  You can easily cross over on foot to the meeting point on the east side, by walking under the highway in the pedestrian tunnel.