Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
Event Coordinator: JPHikerMax # People: 8
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level:
Strenuous
SUMMARY: The Franconia Ridge Trail is one of the "classic" White Mountain hikes because of the outstanding views from its exposed alpine ridge. It is a fairly strenuous hike, as it covers a total of 8.8 miles, and goes over one four thousand footer (Mt. Little Haystack) and two of the highest peaks in the White Mountains: Mt. Lafayette (5,260') and Mt. Lincoln (5,089'). Little Haystack at 4,780' does not count for the Four Thousand Peakbagging Club, because it is dwarfed by both Lafayette and Lincoln, and yet the ascent to it from the parking area is a whopping 3,000 feet, and thus quite a challenge in it of itself. This is a very popular hike and it is usually very crowded on summer weekends. We will be doing this hike on a Wednesday to hopefully avoid the crowds. We will do the "classic" loop, which involves hiking from the parking lot up the Falling Waters Trai to the ridge, then across to Lincoln and Lafayette, then down to the AMC Greenleaf Hut, and from there down the Old Bridle Path back to the parking lot. Bring plenty of water, layers of clothes for the chilly summits, and good sturdy hiking boots. Rain will cancel.
Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at: The Franconia Ridge Trail is one of the "classic" White Mountain hikes because of the outstanding views from its exposed alpine ridge. It is a fairly strenuous hike, as it covers a total of 8.8 miles, and goes over one four thousand footer (Mt. Little Haystack) and two of the highest peaks in the White Mountains: Mt. Lafayette (5,260') and Mt. Lincoln (5,089'). Little Haystack at 4,780' does not count for the Four Thousand Peakbagging Club, because it is dwarfed by both Lafayette and Lincoln, and yet the ascent to it from the parking area is a whopping 3,000 feet, and thus quite a challenge in it of itself. This is a very popular hike and it is usually very crowded on summer weekends. We will be doing this hike on a Wednesday to hopefully avoid the crowds. We will do the "classic" loop, which involves hiking from the parking lot up the Falling Waters Trai to the ridge, then across to Lincoln and Lafayette, then down to the AMC Greenleaf Hut, and from there down the Old Bridle Path back to the parking lot. Bring plenty of water, layers of clothes for the chilly summits, and good sturdy hiking boots. Rain will cancel.