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This 8.2-mile semi strenuous loop will show you some of the best above tree line hiking that New Hampshire has to offer.

Our plan was to take the 3.1-mile Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the Lakes of the Clouds hut. From there we would do a 2 mile ridge traverse, along the Crawford Path, bag Monroe (5,384 ft) and Franklin (5,001 ft but not an official 4,000 footer) along the way. We would then cruise the 2.9 miles down the Edmunds path to where we spotted a car.

The weather gods provided us with summits socked in the clouds as we took off from our point of departure…the Cog Railway hiker parking lot around 10:30 am. 

the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail starts out with 30 minutes of rolling and flat terrain in a shady forest like many White Mountains trails do. This was fine as it provided a chance to warm up. This trail truly distinguishes itself because it is right next to the Cog Railway and alongside the Ammonoosuc River.

We were soon treated to a crystal clear pond called Gem Pool fed by a tiny waterfall that is something you don’t see on every hike. This was a great place to take a break. A brief rain shower passed us by. Many other hikers passed us by while we were having a break. 

From here the climbing began with a steep and sustained ascent on rock steps. Shortly into the climb we took the small side trail on the right that leads to a gorge. If you do this hike then take this side trail! Only 100 yards from the sign we were treated to one of the most amazing waterfalls you will ever see in the White Mountains. 

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The climb continued at a sustained pitch as the rock steps evolved to rock slabs. It was during the section that we reached the clouds. 

The Lakes of the Clouds hut came into view after a little more climbing. This was a great sight because it meant we were close to Mount Monroe. We had lunch inside the hut.  

After sandwiches, chips and Jim’s homemade cookies we felt it was time to make our summit bid. The wind started to pick up so we put on our shell jackets. The climb to the Mount Monroe summit was certainly steep. We remained in the clouds and the humidity was certainly 100%. The great thing about the wind is that it kept us cool since was over 80 degrees at the base of the mountain. 

From here we had a perfect ridge to traverse over Mount Franklin. The clouds kept many hikers away but we did encounter a few along the way. From here the hike became a classic above tree line White Mountains ridge traverse with a narrow cairn lined path that is surrounded by alpine vegetation. The clouds provided a surreal environment. The clouds forced to take a closer look at the alpine flowers at our feet including Canada Mayflower, Mountain Sandwort, Three-Toothed Cinquefoil, Mountain Avens, Bunchberry and Mountain Cranberry. As we descended from Mount Franklin the clouds disappeared and we finally got some views including Eisenhower directly ahead. We were happy to get some views for our efforts!

The descent to the Edmunds Path treated us to a whole new perspective on the ridge that we had just traversed. At first the Edmunds path was a stone filled ledge and with the clouds gone we were able to enjoy some amazing scenery. 

Before long we were back in the tree line and back at the car. Despite hiking 8.2 miles and bagging 2 peaks we felt like the hike flew by; that is the sign of a great hike. I highly recommend this hike for anyone who wants unbelievable views for a moderate effort. We didn’t get the views in this outing, but spending substantial time above tree line in the air conditioned clouds has its own just rewards. 

Following the hike the majority of the guys made their way back to our house for snacks/drinks on the deck; then dinner consisting of chicken shish-kabobs, sausage, rice, potato salad, vegetable salad followed by strawberry shortcake; and the grand finale, fireworks. 

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