Franconia Ridge Loop: 7/6/2014

Mileage: 8.1
Elevation gain: 3968'
Trails used:  Old Bridle Path-Franconia Ridge-Falling Waters


This would be my third day of hiking in a row.  Initially Desi and I were going to do the Smarts to Cube traverse on Saturday but with the wet weather and ledges galore, I thought it would be best to wait to try Sunday.  Once Sunday rolled around though, we decided on Franconia Ridge as it was the quicker option with not as many miles.

This was our second time together (this would be my third time here counting a winter traverse) doing this hike so we decided to do it in reverse order than our first time, which was Little Haystack-Lincoln-Lafayette.  

Franconia Ridge is the second highest mountain range in New Hampshire, after the Presidential Range.  It runs across the summit's of Lafayette, Lincoln, Little Haystack, Liberty, and Flume.

The Bridle Path-Falling Waters Trail head kiosk.  Information, maps and bus schedule.  What more could a hiker want from a trail head.

This was pretty much the only water crossing (Walker Brook) we had to do on the way to the Old Bridle Path.

We split off here to take the Old Bridle Path up the the AMC hut and up to the ridge.  Head right and cross a bridge to go on the Falling Waters Trail.

We saw this cool gnarly tree along the way.

The Old Bridle Path is a well maintained trail with good rock work done in sections.

We start getting our first views of the ridge and Walker Ravine.

Soon you come to Agony Ridge, which is steep and rocky in several sections.

Still going up.  You can see the views back down Agony Ridge.

Views towards the Kinsmans and Moosilaukee.

A no camping area just off the trail.  You can see that it has gotten a lot of use in the past.

The AMC Greenleaf Hut (elevation 4220').  There was barely anyone around at the time which is rare on a nice day, but we did pass quite a few people who had stayed the night. 

Panorama of Franconia Ridge from outside of the hut.

This trail sign has seen better days.

Looking over to one of the Eagle Lakes.

Looking back to the Greenleaf Hut.

Beware of cairn people.  They can attack at any time.

 Looking over to Cannon Mountain.

Greg heading up the trail towards Lafayette's summit.

Another view back towards Cannon Mountain and its ski trails, plus the Kinsmans to the left.  Distant Vermont peaks were barely visible through the haze.

The trail goes up about 1000 feet in a little more than a mile from the hut to the summit of Mount Lafayette, but it never feels really steep at all.

Greg again, higher up near the summit.

Panorama #1 from the summit of Mount Lafayette (elevation 5260').  Looking east to Garfield, the Twins, Bonds,  and Owls Head.

Looking down Franconia Ridge to Mount Lincoln.

Panorama #2 from the summit of Mount Lafayette.  Looking over towards Cannon, the Kinsmans, and Moosilaukee.

The summit of Mount Lafayette.

Looking to Cannon and it's rock face.  No rock climbers today, possibly due to the high winds.

This glider was riding the thermals today.  It made several passes overhead.

Looking down the ridge to Mount Truman and Mount Lincoln beyond.

Looking back towards Mount Lafayette.

Interesting cloud formations sitting over the Bonds.

Looking over to Little Haystack from Mount Lincoln (elevation 5089').

Thor's Hammer!  An interesting rock formation along the ridge trail.

Another shot looking over to Little Haystack.

Looking back to Mount Lincoln.

Shining Rock and it's wet immense granite ledge.  Very dangerous to try and climb this as it is usually wet from springs in the woods above.

The junction of the Shining Rock spur path and the Falling Waters Trail.

Desi heading down the Falling Waters Trail.  It seems like forever going down.

There were several water crossings of Dry Brook (ironic name since the water was flowing big time) heading down the Falling Waters Trail. 

There were also several cascades and waterfalls.  A nice place to cool off on a hot day.

A beautiful day for a hike.  We met our friends John and June and walked the ridge with them (they continued on to Mt Flume and down the Osseo Trail.) and had fun.  The winds were pretty high (maybe 40's with 50 mph gusts) but there were no bugs and the temperatures were nice.  This is always a fun hike and if you like meeting people, this is the hike for you.


Already donated but want to do more? Can't donate but still want to help? "Like" and "share" our Facebook page. Even as little as a dollar helps. Even "sharing" with just one person does too by spreading the word. Our Donation Page is set up directly through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website, so you can donate with confidence that 100% of the money goes to this fine collection of people working to help those stricken with MS.