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Franconia Ridge – A Complete Guide To An Incredible New England Hike

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Article Categories: Hiking

Franconia Ridge is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As the second highest ridgeline behind the presidential range, it offers absolutely incredible views, and can be completed within a day, or done as an overnight trek. The ridge is comprised North to South of Mount Lafayette (5,249 feet), Mount Truman (not an official 4,000 footer), Mount Lincoln (5,089 feet), Little Haystack Mountain (not an official 4,000 footer), Mount Liberty (4,459 feet) and Mount Flume (4,328 feet). What is a 4,000 footer?

In this article, we give you all the information you need to hike this ridge.

Quick Navigation:
The Classic LoopThe Big LoopDirectionsCampingPictures

 

Video by Joseph Getts: View the rest of Getts Wild YouTube channel here

 

Franconia Ridge Loop (Classic Version)

This is the most common loop for a day hike. It features views along the ridge, and peakbaggers can take two 4,000 footers in only a few short miles. There are camping options near both ends of the loop, making it a great overnight option for those that would like to experience a sunrise or sunset on top of the ridge.

Mileage: 8.5 miles (3,700 feet of elevation gain)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hike Time: 4-6 hours
Views: Incredible

 

Franconia Ridge Loop Trail Map

Lafayette, Lincoln and Little Haystack Map

 

The Route

Beginning on the Old Bridle Path, you will ascend to Greenleaf Hut (4,200 feet) in 2.7 miles. As you near the Hut, the trees clear, providing clear views of Lafayette. From the Hut, you will ascend another 1,000 feet in 1.1 miles to the summit. This trail features over 3,700 feet of elevation gain. 

At the summit of Lafayette, you will experience 360 degree views overlooking Franconia Notch, the Pemi Wilderness, and the rest of the ridge. From the summit you will descend via the Franconia Ridge Trail to Mount Lincoln (5,089 feet). The ridge from Lafayette to Little Haystack is 1.6 miles of exposed ridgeline hiking. You will continue along the ridge to Little Haystack Mountain, and take the Falling Waters Trail back to the trailhead (3.2 miles)

 

The Long Version

This route will take you across all the major peaks of the Franconia Range. You will peak each 4,000 footer, Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, Mount Liberty and Mount Flume. If you decide to do this “loop” with the Flume and Liberty out and back section, you’ll be in for a long day, but this also makes a great overnight hike. Total trip: 15.3 miles

Beginning on the Old Bridle Path and heading up to Greenleaf Hut and Mount Lafayette (the highest point along the ridge) is, in my opinion, the better route. You will walk southward along Franconia Ridge, which will be the highlight of the hike. The views into the Pemi Wilderness and into Franconia Notch are breathtaking. The ridge exposes you to the elements, but the views are worth it.

There are a couple ways to complete this route. The map below shows all of your trail options. If you have an questions, just send a message.

Franconia Ridge Trail Map

Directions

The trailhead is located directly off I-93 across from Lafayette Campground. It is clearly marked, and you will be able to navigate directly to it with the map below.

 

Parking

Parking at the trailhead can get crazy. This is one of the most hiked mountains in NH. If you want to get parking, avoid the crowds, and not have to park at Cannon Mountain and take a shuttle, you will need to arrive as early in the morning as possible. No parking along I-93 is now strictly enforced.

 

Camping Franconia Ridge

 

Greenleaf Hut

The Greenleaf hut is located 2.7 miles from the trailhead on the way up Mount Lafayette. It sits above 4,000 feet in elevation, only about 1 mile from the summit of Lafayette. Full service season is June 1 through May 28, and self service season is between May 5 and May 28. Request stays, read about the the seasons, and what the hut has to offer here: https://www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/huts/greenleaf/

 

Liberty Springs Tent Sites

These tent sites a great options for overnight hikers. Only a half mile from the summit of Liberty located on the Liberty Spring Trail, it is a great place to camp for sunrise, sunset or both. It is inexpensive to spend the night, and rarely do the sites fill up, but when they do, they have additional sites closer to the summit. Fees are paid on site, as reservations for under 6 individuals are not taken. The fee is $8 per person, or free if there is no caretaker.

 

Lafayette Campground

This campground has nearly 100 sites for pop-ups or tents. A cost of $25 per night. You can read about all the amenities, camping seasons and more here.

 

Make Sure You Come Prepared

Franconia Ridge shouldn’t be taken lightly. The exposed rock summit and ridge line above 4,000 feet can be a recipe for some strong weather. Be sure to bring enough hydration and energy for a long day. During the summer months, the summits can still be very cold. It is important to always bring layers of clothing to be ready for all situations. Winter hiking involves extra preparation, with far more layers of clothes, and footwear to handle ice and snow (crampons/microspikes). You should read our complete winter hiking guide, and winter hiking equipment guide.

 

Current Franconia Notch Weather

Here are a couple weather links to help you out (they should direct you directly to Franconia Notch)

https://weather.com/

https://www.weatherforyou.com/

 

Franconia Ridge Loop Description

The trail begins relatively flat for the quarter mile where hikers make the choice to climb the largest mountain first, or view the gorgeous waterfalls (lets take on the bigger mountain first).

Ascending the Old Bridal Path for just under 3 miles, hikers will experience steep and rugged terrain that ascends to the AMC Greenleaf Hut. This steep terrain goes by quick, taking care of heavy elevation gain in a relatively short amount of mileage.

The views become rewarding around 2.5 miles into the hike along the Old Bridal Path where a spur ridge of Lafayette creates beautiful views into the valley below, and to the ridge-line you are heading towards.

The AMC hut provides, food, water, and a camping options for backpackers. Hikers will pass right on by the hut and descend to a small mountain pond, where you begin the last heavy 1 mile, 1,500 foot ascent to the Mount Lafayette Summit.

Quickly above treeline, hikers are exposed to incredible views of Franconia Notch, but also the weather, which in winter months, or storms, can be brutal. The climb is over a well traveled rocky path to the summit.

The summit features incredible views year round of the Pemi Wilderness, Mount Washington, Franconia Ridge, and a vast portion of the White Mountains. Here you will begin your exposed ridge walk for 1.6 miles ascending and descending Mount Lincoln, and heading over to Little Haystack Mountain. You will not want to leave this ridge, it is stunning from all angles.

Finally reaching Little Haystack Mountain, hikers can choose to further on the hike, or head back down via the Falling Waters Trail (rightfully named so).

This trail is technical, steep, and dangerous on the legs and knees, but an absolute blast. Descending quickly, hikers begin to parallel streams that create gorgeous waterfalls, and eventually encounter the largest of the waterfalls near the base, which attracts large amounts of visitors on warm days.

From here, it is only a short trip back out to the parking lot, where you can quickly access the highway on to your next trek.

 

Other Hikes in Franconia Notch

Cannon Mountain
Mount Liberty
Mount Flume
Kinsman Mountains

 

Weather Forecast

Lincoln, NH

Overnight
A chance of snow and patchy fog before 3am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 24. North wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Friday
Patchy fog and a slight chance of snow before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Northwest wind 25 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night
A chance of snow after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Wind chill values as low as -2. Northwest wind 35 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 75 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday
A slight chance of snow before 8am, then a slight chance of snow showers between 8am and 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as -7. Northwest wind 25 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Saturday Night
A slight chance of snow showers after 5am. Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Northwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 20.

 

Pictures of Franconia Ridge

 

Franconia Ridge

From a top the ridge

Franconia Ridge Pano

Cannon Mountain from Franconia Ridge

Cannon Mountain from Franconia Ridge

Mount Liberty Summit

Mount Liberty Summit

Panoramic from Summit of Mount Liberty

Panoramic from Summit of Mount Liberty

Max DesMarais

Max DesMarais

Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued his frequent adventures in the mountains, always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about

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  1. Max DesMarais May 30, 2019

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