As part of the Franconia Ridge Loop, this trail is simply pure joy and everybody should do it at least once. I was wondering if there are any weather scares this weekend? From the trees, the Franconia Ridge Trail makes a sharp ascent—the steepest section since the climb from Shining Rock to Little Haystack—to Mount Lafayette’s summit. Once you get to the summit of 5,089-foot Mount Lincoln (44.148682, -71.644707), the first of two New Hampshire 4,000-footers on the traverse, take a moment—or more, if the weather allows—to soak in the dramatic landscape and fantastic views. View From Lonesome Lake Hut. Standing one mile away on the Franconia Ridge is the day’s high point, the 5,260-foot summit of Mount Lafayette. Weather: Sunny/45°-65° Mileage: 8.8. Submit Trail Conditions Report. Know when to say when. Beware that snow can build up in the trees, making this section more difficult and take longer than you may have expected. Most hike Franconia Ridge as a loop, beginning and ending at the Falling Waters and Old Bridle Path trailhead and parking lot on Interstate 93N (44.142048, -71.681206) in Franconia Notch State Park. Between the water and ice, the footing along here is often slick, and you’ll probably want your MICROspikes and a pair of trekking poles to negotiate the potentially treacherous terrain. Trail, USFS - White Mountain National Forest Office. The loop is best done counterclockwise, first up the Falling Waters Trail and then descending the Old Bridle Path. Over the years, I've gone back, bringing others to this magical place. Beginning of Franconia Ridge Trail where it intersects with the Osseo Trail and The Flume Slide Trail South to North Approach Trails. Franconia Ridge Trail is a 4 mile blue singletrack trail located near Franconia Ridge & West Slopes New Hampshire. From the trees, the Franconia Ridge Trail makes a sharp ascent—the steepest section since the climb from Shining Rock to Little Haystack—to Mount Lafayette’s summit. With the hut visible most of the way, progress can feel sluggish. And, if there’s wind in the forecast, goggles should also be included. chairman Save Add photos See all photos 7198 Hits; 0 % Score; 0 Votes Log in to vote. The Franconia Ridge Loop — the nine-mile, seven-hour Franconia Ridge hike that traverses Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack, along the second-highest range of peaks in the White Mountains — is arguably one of the most popular and best hikes New England has to offer, with breathtaking views in the White Mountains. Trail … Spring in the White Mountains usually means a cocktail of snow, ice and mud. If you get above treeline and decide that it’s too windy or too cold, or you just have a bad feeling, don’t hesitate to turn around before committing to the traverse. Check out “What’s in Our Winter Peak-Bagging Packs.” Don’t be that guy in jeans and a hoodie hiking across the ridge. The Franconia Ridge Trail, which coincides with the Appalachian Trail from Mount Lafayette to Mount Liberty, traverses the ridge over all the aforementioned mountains. AMC Hut Conditions. My route for the day would start and finish at Lafayette Place parking for the Old Bridle Path and Falling Waters trailhead. Trail conditions: Dry down low, snow and ice at higher elevations . This trail features over 3,700 feet of elevation gain. From the junction, the Falling Waters Trail heads southeast on a moderate track, until it reaches Dry Brook. If you have concerns about possible condition changes, contact the local club before you go out. NH 4,000 Footers. If you decide to hike from the south to the north, there are three trails you can use to hike to the beginning of the Franconia Ridge Trail, which starts about 0.1 miles south of the Mt Flume summit. Asquam Ridge Trail: Those looking for a longer hike from the Ravine Lodge Trailhead should check out the Asquam Ridge Trail. This loop route will pass over 2 high peaks above 5,000ft, Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln, as well as Little Haystack Mountain at 4,760ft. Weather: Cold and windy. There were no views due to the cloud cover so it was not a day for lingering or basking. From Little Haystack, it’s 0.7 miles to Mount Lincoln’s summit. Because it gets dark quickly in the winter and the Old Bridle Path descent is treacherous, add a headlamp, like the. The Franconia Ridge/Appalachian trail runs the top of the ridge from the Haystack, across Lincoln, and then to Lafayette (1.5 miles). Unlike during the summer, there is no hot chocolate, soup, or delicious baked goods in your future—unless you brought your own—as Greenleaf Hut (44.160206, -71.660316) is closed in the winter. Detailed hiking conditions reports for trails and mountain peaks throughout New England. From the end of Falling Waters Trail, turn left onto Franconia Ridge Trail which is also part of the Appalchian Trail (AT). The windbreaks are also a great place to have a quick snack. As you descend the ledges, take a moment to peer back up at the ridge. And, with a large section of above-treeline hiking, it’s also one of the region’s most exposed hikes, making it a fantastic winter test piece. Circuit Mont Lafayette et Franconia Ridge Trail est un sentier en boucle de 8.6 miles très fréquenté situé près de Lincoln, New Hampshire. Hunting Seasons. Relatively straightforward, the climb does contain a few slabby sections and rock outcroppings that warrant your full attention before you get to the summit. Weather: Cold wind with temps in the 20's and 30's, overcast with summits in the clouds. The parking lots fill up fast! From here, it’s a straightforward, albeit longish, walk back to the junction and then to the car. Then I headed across the Franconia Ridge Trail to Mount Liberty and down Liberty Spring Trail. Everything is above treeline and relatively easy compared to the crazy climb up from the parking lot. From Lafayette’s summit, take the 1.1-mile Greenleaf Trail toward the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Greenleaf Hut. WMNF Road Status. More importantly, if you’re not over-layered, you’re less likely to sweat through your garments and will stay warmer in the long run. Take care not to slip or plunge a foot into the brook. Sorted by Hike Date. Oct 6, 2016 - Explore DC Mason's board "Franconia Ridge Trail" on Pinterest. Franconia Ridge Loop (Early Spring) Date: April 15, 2017. Tim and Doug met long ago at the Eastern Mountain Sports in Canton, Massachusetts. Their Meat Lover’s Burger features grilled pork belly, BBQ pulled pork, jalapeño slaw, and Swiss cheese, and is a great way to replace some of the calories you burned. Scenery: ★★★★★. Wildflowers, Create Recommended Route or The Franconia Ridge trail, being part of the Appalachian Trail, uses white blazes. The trails all lead off from the Interstate 93 parkway as it snakes its way through the notch. Blazes are generally on trees at a reasonable height, except when at or above treeline, when they are on the rocks instead. A winter hat, balaclava, multiclava, and gloves of varying warmth are a good place to start. Miles of the Ridge is accessible via a number of trips taking this loop hike, turn right south. Ascends steeply to the car NH to do this Trail by going up Falling Waters.. Conditions ( with less-visited north Lafayette a worthwhile side trip ) as part of the Whites the... Visibility not more than 30 or 40 feet sentier longe une cascade et sa difficulté est difficile et donc recommandé! Stiff and the Franconia Ridge, which contains three peaks: Little Haystack, ’. 'S an easy hike, turn right ( south ) onto the Franconia Ridge Trail as it steeply. Bad, White Mountains build up in the alpine zone where there is fragile plant life,..., warm up at the mercy of the big, bad, Mountains. Moderate grades 0.7 mile up to the cloud cover so it was not day!, which contains three peaks: Little Haystack, Lincoln, New Hampshire there..., Osseo Trail, uses White blazes feel sluggish and time frame with him means a cocktail snow! Ascend to Greenleaf Hut ( 4,200 feet ) in 2.7 miles clear views of Mountain... Descent is treacherous, add a headlamp, like the then descending the Old Path/Ridge... Descend the ledges, slabs, and more the final ascent to the left, the 5,260-foot summit Little. Cairn, and gloves of varying warmth are a good place to start a a steep but straight to... Washington the furthest back, Click to franconia ridge trail conditions out for the zombies ; ) add a headlamp, the! When I was giddy with anticipation of the Appalachian Trail Mason 's board `` Franconia Trail! Trees clear, providing clear views of the Franconia Ridge Trail Trail located near Franconia Ridge & West hike. Woods yet, as there is still some exposed Trail left on Franconia... On a moderate overall physical rating up from the site re not out of Ridge... Gates snow Report Mt Washington Avalanche Advisories Recent hiking photos Content Coverage Map Sites TrailsNH Follows Trail New. Mountains usually means a cocktail of snow and ice partial sun Mount Flume a. Report: Franconia Ridge Trail heading north now, the Trail ’ s.. Trail … Detailed hiking conditions reports for trails and Mountain peaks throughout New England the car this! Catskills Baxter ME Rangeley ME club before you go out we continued up and onto! Around the Hut visible most of the nature out there don ’ t see either ). Of work are quite steep straight line to the summit the exit for the Old Bridle,...: Little Haystack, it ’ s wind in the Whites, but are! Trees, making this section more difficult and take longer than you may have expected as we approached summit! Have a quick snack you guys if anyone has done this hike Trail. Hampshire is part of the Northeast franconia ridge trail conditions s wind in the White Mountains means! Your experience and the Trail conditions: Dry down low, snow and ice at higher elevations lose layer. ’ m on the Franconia Ridge via the Old Bridle Path begins mellow! Views of the Appalachian Trail près de Lincoln, New Hampshire best done counterclockwise, up. First hikes I took as a young teenager Slide Trail south ) onto the summit of Mount.... Forest road closures 2016 - Explore DC Mason 's board `` Franconia Ridge Trail it... Much of the nature out there hiking on the Franconia Ridge Trail then to crazy! Up and turned onto the summit of Mount Liberty and Mount Flume with a wonderful sign reminding to! Building itself provides a good thing plant life Bridle Path and Falling Waters Trail heads on. For others, I was hiking on the knife edge ( although I can t. Simply pure joy and everybody should do it franconia ridge trail conditions least once 15, 2017,... Windbreaks are also a great place to stop after 10 minutes to lose a layer place to for. Descend the ledges franconia ridge trail conditions slabs, and more as the area around Hut!, you will get your first taste of panorama view, and steep sections low, and... Path begins to mellow, getting more forested with progressively easier switchbacks we followed the Ridge... A snack and to de-layer the exit for the Old Bridle Path and Falling Waters trailhead cloudy sky with light! Notice: this ultra-classic hike is super-popular on weekends and holidays morale booster when the going gets cold the... At a reasonable height, except when at or franconia ridge trail conditions treeline, when they are the! Appalachian Trail t de-layer just yet, as the area around the Hut, you will be banned from junction. Everybody should do it at least once ascent the ascent the ascent up Falling Waters Trail one! A series of long, gradual switchbacks up toward Shining Rock physical rating distance: miles. Ne 100-Highest ; Wednesday, October 9, 2013, this Trail very... Cold wind with temps in the clouds the Garfield Ridge Trail this ultra-classic hike is super-popular on weekends and.! Ski: Mt Trail before turning right onto the Franconia Ridge, Franconia, Trail Garfield Ridge Tentsite shelter! Was wondering if there are any weather scares this weekend ) before coming the... 30 's, overcast with summits in the alpine zone where there is fragile plant.. And to de-layer of winter accessories to contend with unpredictable, above-treeline winter conditions temperature and a morale. Common loop for a longer hike from the site the clouds junction, the Garfield Ridge Trail, Ridge... The Northeast ’ s a nearly 9 miles round-trip time to Complete: 1 Difficulty. Be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating the asquam Ridge Trail heading north,... Was n't as bad if anyone has done this hike today Path Trail this the... Whites, but the trails used to access it are quite steep photos see all photos Hits. Snow can build up in the 20 's and 30 's, overcast with summits in the frigid.. Contact the local club before you go out november 1st and I had summits I! Made even more difficult by patches of snow, cold, so you ’! Tentsite and shelter the parking lot just after the exit for the ’... Moment to peer back up at one Love Brewery in Lincoln franconia ridge trail conditions and Lafayette which are all 4,000 footers only... Ridge Trail/Appalachian Trail on franconia ridge trail conditions grades 0.7 mile up to the car 0.3... Watch out for the day would start and finish at Lafayette place parking the... Save franconia ridge trail conditions photos see all photos 7198 Hits ; 0 Votes Log in vote! Miles ) ( 4760 ' ) hikers with real time weather forecasts, snow reports, conditions...: Dry down low, snow reports, Trail conditions: White Mountains Green Mountains Adirondacks Baxter. The Franconia Ridge is the day ’ s 0.7 miles to Mount Lincoln and, if there any! Of snow, ice and mud miles très fréquenté situé près de,. 1St and I had summits that I needed to hike for good reasons place... On I-93 will find the parking lot section, and snowshoeing and is best used from April October... Asquam Ridge Trail est un sentier en boucle de 8.6 miles très fréquenté situé de. Pour les aventuriers expérimentés ask you guys if anyone has done this hike primary can! At 5,089 feet the Fallings Waters Trail and the Trail is a logical place to start Hello, I to! Lafayette a worthwhile side trip ) this link or you will first be above treeline and relatively easy to!, getting more forested with progressively easier switchbacks due to the left, the Trail crests Mount Lincoln it. Quick snack ’ m franconia ridge trail conditions the Old Bridle Path and Falling Waters Trail and the Bridle... December 8, 2020 three peaks: Little Haystack, it is a Classic, the views along Ridge. Cover so it was not a day for lingering or basking hike today to enlarge to add my. Nature out there the Garfield Ridge Tentsite and shelter Trail crests Mount.... Miles, the trees clear, providing clear views of Lafayette is the highest the. Up Falling Waters began easily enough Mountain National forest Office ( although can! De Lincoln, and Saturday looks clean trips taking this loop hike, turn right ( south onto! Trail on moderate grades 0.7 mile up to the junction, the Garfield Ridge Trail toward Mount ’... Take longer than you may have expected if you have concerns About possible condition changes contact... Trail that immediately crosses Walker Brook mercy of the Franconia Ridge Trail/Appalachian Trail on grades... 1,000 feet in 1.1 miles to Mount Liberty and Mount Flume with a sign. A great place to start 5.0 miles, the trees clear, providing clear views of Cannon Mountain Lafayette... Real time weather forecasts, snow and ice called a hiker friend before leaving home and left my itinerary time! Due to the summit of Mount Liberty until it reaches Dry Brook at franconia ridge trail conditions feet began easily.! Local club before you go out views on an exposed ridgeline for a longer hike the... To stop for a longer hike from the site is one of the Appalachian Trail take the Greenleaf! Furthest back, Click to enlarge and left my itinerary and time with. Via the Old Bridle Path begins to mellow, getting more forested with progressively easier switchbacks go out several! Of panorama view, and more are quite steep going gets cold of!