DATE: Jan 23, 2021 to Jan 23, 2021
Hiking/Walk Mts. Lafayette and Lincoln

Meeting Time: 8:00 AM

Event Coordinator: Gandalf
Lincoln, NH
US

Max # People: 10

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous

SUMMARY:

This is it! The hike we’ve been training for! A winter Franconia Ridge Traverse!

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 be hiking in winter conditions at a moderate pace with time to enjoy the scenery. There will be ice and snow. If it’s going to be windy and very cold, due to the exposed ridge with the potential of blowing snow and frostbite on our face, goggles and winter face mask and/or neck gaiter will be  required. 

Light tracking devices are mandatory and we may need snowshoes if there was a recent snowstorm.  If you don’t own a pair of snowshoes, you can always rent them from your local outdoor gear shop or from Ski Fanatics near our house in Waterville Valley. You’ll also need Light traction such as either Kahtoola MicroSpikes or Hillsounds Crampons from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI or EMS; or online.

Please have the appropriate gear/clothing to hike this time of year and the appropriate amount of layers to keep your core body warm. We recommend WINTER hiking boots, MicroSpikes, wool hat, gloves, hand warmers, rain/wind gear, warm layers, HEADLAMP and NO COTTON. Carry at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks.

Winter Hiking Clothing/Gear Tips and Recommendations

Winter conditions will be in effect so this moderate hike is ideal for anyone on their first winter hike. Winter travel offers unique challenges to any hiker and we can provide tips and answer any of your questions during the hike. We are here to help you!

For winter hiking, you are basically wearing the same clothing/gear you did in summer except you need to have additional layers to keep your core body warm, dress in synthetic layers [no cotton], wool hat, and gloves [we highly recommend buying the chemical hand warmers for your gloves]. The only piece of gear you will have to buy is MicroSpikes [Kahtoola is a popular brand], which are essentially cleats that you attach to your boots to prevent falls from black ice encountered on the trail.  

One of the biggest mistakes beginner winter hikers do is overdress. You don’t need a heavy winter jacket since you will be heating up naturally during the hike. Wear thin, insulated layers so you can easily regulate your temperature. If you overdress, you will start sweating and actually make yourself get colder. Assess if your summer daypack is big enough to put your clothes in as you warm up and if not, then that is probably another investment you’ll have to make for this trip.

Winter hiking boots is something you may want to invest in later on, since it helps keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. Snowshoes will not be needed for this hike, and we rarely use them in general, but are definitely needed to break trail if we recently had any significant snowfall. We like to carry a very small thermos with some sort of hot beverage which is so comforting to drink on a very cold day.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

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 Mountain, 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.