Mount Lincoln is a gorgeous mountain with exposed ridge-line views, conveniently located right off of I-93. A part of Franconia Ridge. Lincoln is often hiked with the entire or a piece of Franconia Ridge. Mount Liberty is another common peak for hikers to summit on the same day.
Height: 5,089 feet (1,551.1 meters)
Length: 7.8 miles (12.6 km)
Duration: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,645 feet (1,111.0 meters)
Video by Joseph Getts: View the rest of Getts Wild YouTube channel here
Trail Map
Trails
Falling Waters Trail | 7.8 Miles Round Trip | 3,645 Feet Elevation Gain
The falling waters trail is a very popular trail for good reason. It features gorgeous waterfalls as you ascend up the trail. This is a 3 mile trail to Little Haystack Mountain. Mount Lincoln sits .7 miles away from the summit of Little Haystack. Views are stunning as hikers ascent to Little Haystack and traverse the ridge between the two peaks.
The falling waters trail features long steep sections of large rocks, making for a more difficult than average trail. Due to the rocks, hikers should take a little extra caution while descending.
Old Bridle Path | 8.9 Miles | 3,900 Feet Elevation Gain
The old Bridle Path is a 2.9 mile trail that quickly ascends up to Greenleaf Hut. It connects with the Greenleaf Trail 1.1 miles from the summit of Lafayette. Hikers will continue to ascend to the summit of Lafayette before traversing south across Franconia Ridge towards Mount Lincoln. If hikers wish to do this loop, they should look at our guide on the Franconia Ridge Loop.
Along the Falling Waters Trail
Directions and Parking
There is a lot of parking space on both sides of I-93 at Lafayette Place Parking area and Lafayette campground. Arrive early as this is the most busy section of the White Mountains. Overflow parking on I-93 is illegal and strictly enforced. Overflow parking is now located at Cannon Mountain where there is a shuttle to take hikers to the trailheads.
Camping/Overnight Options
There are some nearby camping and overnight options. The trailhead is located right across 93 from Lafayette Campground, but there is also the AMC hut located along the Old Bridle Path just before the summit of Mount Lafayette. If hikers are combining this hike with Mount Liberty, the Liberty Springs tent sites are located along the Liberty Springs trail. Take a look at our Mount Liberty post to learn more about this.
Weather Forecast
Lincoln, NH
Today
A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 3pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 72, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Saturday
A chance of rain showers before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
Scattered rain showers after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday
Scattered rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind 5 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night
Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday
Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor 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. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about