Trail Guide
Located within The White Mountains National Forest, The Franconia Ridge Loop is a widely popular hike that draws hikers from around the globe. The Franconia Ridge is accessible via a number of well marked and well maintained trails. Much of the ridge is located above the treeline in the alpine zone where there is fragile plant life. 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.
Key Features
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Trail Guide Disclaimer
This guide uses a counter clockwise loop route ascending Falling Waters Trail, over Franconia Ridge, and down the Old Bridle Path.
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| Trailhead: I-93N Lafayette Place |
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| 0.2mi: Up Falling Waters Trail |
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| 0.8mi: Slippery Rock |
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| 1.2mi: Cloudland Falls |
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| 1.3mi: Vista |
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| 2.0mi: Lots to climb |
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| 2.8mi: First Views |
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| 3.0mi: Little Haystack Summit |
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| 3.1mi: Franconia Ridge |
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| 3.6mi: Mount Lincoln |
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| 4.5mi: Mount Lafayette |
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| 4.6mi: Old Bridle Path |
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| 5.7mi: Greenleaf Hut |
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| 6.1mi: Overlook |
| The next 2.5mi descends down the Old Bridle Path with the occasional vista looking back at the ridge or to the west and Cannon Mountain. Continue on and once you reach the trail junction with the Falling Waters Trail you know you're almost to the parking lot with just 0.2mi left. Congratulations, you've completed the Franconia Ridge Loop! |
Links
Franconia Notch State Park Trail Map
Franconia Notch Hiker Parking Information
Nearby Hikes
