SUMMARY:
Hey Guys, I've been wanting to do a hike that follows the ridge between Lafayette and Garfield, so this is it! Online descriptions of this section of the trail call it: "Extremely rocky, root-heavy, and steep in sections. Expect slow-going compared to smoother terrain or open alpine ridges.Views: Outstanding intermittent lookouts toward the Franconia Ridge behind you and the Pemi Wilderness ahead, culminating in 360-degree views at the summit of Mount Garfield" So expect a long and challenging day! But if you're up for it, please join me for what should be a spectacular hike that ascends the Greenleaf Trail to Mount Lafayette, then follows the Garfield Ridge Trail over to the summit of Mount Garfield before descending the Garfield Trail. Both summits are open and have extraordinary views on a clear day. I plan on a steady hiking pace with short snack/water breaks as needed and 2 longer breaks on both summits to enjoy the views, weather permitting. We will need to spot a car at the end of the Garfield Trail, please reach out to me if you're willing/able to help with this. Stats: ~12 Miles ~4500' elevation gain ~Expect to be out all day. Pack a headlamp just in case. Sunset is 6:11pm this day. We will park at the Cannon Mountain Tramway parking area off exit 34B, and spot one car at the base of the Garfield trail. Please arrive by 7:45am, we will start hiking at 8am, as daylight is getting shorter. Whoever is helping to spot a car, we can arrange to meet a little earlier so we are back at the Tramway parking before 8am and ready to go. Please pack appropriate layers and gear for the changing weather, it's colder up there! I'll keep an eye on the weather leading up to see if we need microspikes. Pack food and water for a long full day of hiking. Greenleaf Hut is listed as open until 10/17 so we should be able to stop in for water.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:
Hey Guys, I've been wanting to do a hike that follows the ridge between Lafayette and Garfield, so this is it! Online descriptions of this section of the trail call it: "Extremely rocky, root-heavy, and steep in sections. Expect slow-going compared to smoother terrain or open alpine ridges.Views: Outstanding intermittent lookouts toward the Franconia Ridge behind you and the Pemi Wilderness ahead, culminating in 360-degree views at the summit of Mount Garfield" So expect a long and challenging day! But if you're up for it, please join me for what should be a spectacular hike that ascends the Greenleaf Trail to Mount Lafayette, then follows the Garfield Ridge Trail over to the summit of Mount Garfield before descending the Garfield Trail. Both summits are open and have extraordinary views on a clear day. I plan on a steady hiking pace with short snack/water breaks as needed and 2 longer breaks on both summits to enjoy the views, weather permitting. We will need to spot a car at the end of the Garfield Trail, please reach out to me if you're willing/able to help with this. Stats: ~12 Miles ~4500' elevation gain ~Expect to be out all day. Pack a headlamp just in case. Sunset is 6:11pm this day. We will park at the Cannon Mountain Tramway parking area off exit 34B, and spot one car at the base of the Garfield trail. Please arrive by 7:45am, we will start hiking at 8am, as daylight is getting shorter. Whoever is helping to spot a car, we can arrange to meet a little earlier so we are back at the Tramway parking before 8am and ready to go. Please pack appropriate layers and gear for the changing weather, it's colder up there! I'll keep an eye on the weather leading up to see if we need microspikes. Pack food and water for a long full day of hiking. Greenleaf Hut is listed as open until 10/17 so we should be able to stop in for water.