The route climbs 8 four thousand footers with 9000 feet of elevation gain and has long stretches of above-treeline travel. Anyone who has ever hiked the Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail would tell you to go at least once in your life. Many people loved the difficulty level and the adventurous experience it has to offer. Lafayette, elevation 5,261 feet. You should hike this trail in the day when there are no clouds because on a clear day it offers views that you won’t see anywhere else. I just turned 65, and I join the ever growing list of seniors who ask themselves, all the same question, “Where did the time go?” It seems like just a little while ago when I……, I am 80 now but would go to the whites every summer for years cant do anymore sure miss it. You'll get really nice view of Mt. 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. The trail then descends another sag, climb a large hump then descends another sag to a scrub patch where it then climbs a moderate up to the top of Mt. I was also delighted to see you have an anthropology minor. This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated. A rest there will be appreciated just before the summit pitch. We left Portland at around 8am and hit the trailhead in Franconia Notch State Park just before 11am. The narrow ridge, which some refer to as a knife-edge, extends from Lafayette to Little Haystack for 1.7 miles. Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop on 10/31/2020 My friend and I are doing Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop this weekend (Up Falling Waters). Elevation (Gain): 3,937’ High: 5,227’ Low: 1,802’ Trailhead: Lafayette Place Trailhead . This Franconia Ridge hike stays well above the tree line for more than a mile and a half, leaving hikers exposed to the elements, which is why the Franconia Ridge is not only known for amazing views, but also for its dangerous weather. We did the typical loop starting up Falling Waters Trail, north along the ridge from Little Haystack to Lafayette (Big Haystack) an back down via Greenleaf Trail and Old Bridle Path. After approximately 2.8-miles along the Falling Waters Trail, you'll reach the Appalachian Trail / Franconia Ridge Trail. Yes, it’s gorgeous – but yes, it’s crowded. This loop takes you over 3 summits: Mt Little Haystack at an elevation of 4,760 ft Mt Lincoln 5,089 ft and Mt Lafayette 5,249 ft. Much of the trail is also wider than it appears and offers endless views, photo opportunities, and great spots to take a break and eat lunch. Have you ever embarked on a Franconia Ridge hike? Best wishes for your career. ... NH via Old Bridle Path, Franconia Ridge Trail, Liberty Springs Trail, Bike Path by: Will Condon / newenglandtrailconditions. Mount Lafayette, Franconia: Address, Mount Lafayette Reviews: 5 ... of Mt Lafayette after most of a day of hiking up the falling waters trail to Little Haystack and crossing the ridge trail (part of the Appalachian trail) over Mt. I think we’ve hit most of the easy to medium hikes/climbs from west rattlesnake up to the Balsoms area. Franconia Ridge Loop RECOMMENDED ROUTE. Lafayette enjoy the beautiful views that surround you. As a bonus you will ascend three peaks, including the highest mountain outside the Presidential Range - Mount Lafayette. There are parking areas on both sides of the interstate. Lafayette. We knew we were lucky to have clear balmy weather for our hike and feel all the luckier seeing the photos from your less perfect day. Mount Lafayette Trail Conditions and Trip Reports are crowdsourced from many hiking websites across the Internet. When you reach the hut you will have a clear view of Lafayette. Congratulations! Mount Lafayette, located just east of I-93 (aka Franconia Notch Parkway) in Franconia Notch, is the highest peak in New Hampshire's White Mountains outside of the Presidential Range (6th highest overall). Mt Lafayette (5260′), Franconia Ridge Trail. Distance: ~9 miles . Since you are exposed on the alpine ridge line for approximately a mile and a half, the weather can be extreme and change rapidly, so, check the Mount Washington Observatory … Surprisingly steep and rugged terrain is the reason the hike is rated “ difficult in. Experiences on this Trail 8 hours of hiking my name, email, and Old Bridle Path.2 to. 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