Trip report
Franconia Ridge Loop Trail in Midweek
Hiking/Walk DATE: 08/16/2017 - 08/16/2017
Trip/Event Location: Lincoln, NH
US
Trip Leader(s): JPHiker
Max # People: 8
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
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
...We will meet at the Mt. Lafayette Trailhead, on the east side of I-93, where there should be plenty of parking on a Wednesday morning. If the east parking lot is full, you can always park on the west side at the Lafayette Campground. There is a pedestrian tunnel connecting both parking lots.
To reach the east parking lot is fairly easy from I-93. As you head north in the Interstate, just north of Exit 33, you will see that the Interstate enters Franconia Notch State Park, and speeding limits will start to decrease. After you pass the tourist exits for the Flume and the Basin, the road will narrow down to one lane. At that point be very alert, because the trailhead parking will be immediately on your right. It is well marked, so you can't miss it. If you decide to park on the west side, you need to continue traveling north on I-93 up to the Mt. Cannon exit, where you will have to exit and re-enter the southbound lane of I-93. The Lafayette Campground will be on your right, just south of the Mt. Cannon parking area, and the now defunct Old Man of the Mountain.
Trip Report/Photos
Four GO members (Tim, John, Rick, and Carlos) were able to take a mid-week day off and hike the Franconia ridge without the crowds of a summer weekend. The day started somewhat ominous with heavy clouds and for a very brief moment, a drizzle. We hiked up the Falling Waters Trail in the clouds, and were starting to wonder if the spectacular views from the ridge would be clouded over. As we got to treeline at Little Haystack, however, the clouds parted miraculously, and bright sunshine greeted us. We sat on the lee side of some rocks to have a leisurely lunch away from the bitter wind of the summit. There were two huge black ravens near us, who were fairly relentless in their attempt to get a handout from us. One of them perched very near Tim's pack, and appeared to be guarding it. The raven looked imposing enough that our brave Tim asked for backup, and with John's help managed to retrieve his pack. That was a very close call, worth it of a Hitchcok film.
The hike along the ridge, although a bit nippy because of the wind, proved spectacular. The views were as grand as always, and we took our time taking it all in, and photographing it for posterity. At Greenleaf Hut we all had a wonderful potato leek soup which hit the spot, and helped us get a second wind for the descent down the Old Bridle Path down to our cars.
We finished this great day with a meal at the Woodstock Inn & Brewery. John was having some problems with his knees on the way down, but some ibuprofen and the food appeared to have fixed him up.
There are 58 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)
What Members Are Saying About This Trip/Event
- Hey Carlos- Another epic hike! My favorite. So great to have you back in New England and posting trips. Rick, John, and yourself, were perfect company for this venture across the ridge! The weather Gods saw us coming and worked magic! Ravens not so much.... - TIMber64
- This was a fantastic hike with a fun group of guys. We did 8.9 miles but I think my knees were done hiking at 8.1 miles... lol! Despite the sore legs I loved every minute of it. Fun group, great hike, and a well earned beer with dinner after...Thank you Carlos! - JcM
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