 |
| View to the South from Franconia Ridge Trail |
I've been to Mt. Lafayette many times, with several particularly-memorable hikes being up Falling Waters Trail and another one being a longer loop via the lesser-used Skookumchuck Trail. Since Lafayette is my favorite of the 4,000 Footers, I was excited to find out that both of my nephews had named it as the hike of choice in advance of our most recent trip to the White Mountains. That decision made, all that we needed was a decent forecast. As it turned out we got just that.
 |
| All Smiles on Agony Ridge |
It was actually quite lucky that we had such a perfect day - 60s in the valley, 40s up top, no precipiation, and summits in the clear with light and variable winds. The day before our hike was rainy, as was the day after, and we just barely got ahead of a heat and humidity wave that arrived 48 hours later and lasted for a week. The only downside to a good forecast amid a week of unsettled weather is the chance of heavy trail traffic on the most popular peaks. So we resolved to get out as early as possible and were on the trail at 7 a.m. sharp, my brother and I both grumbling that our preferred start time would have been 5 a.m.
 |
| View to Lafayette Summit from Greenleaf Hut Nap Spot |
We made quick work of the lower, forested reaches of Old Bridle Path and took our first break at one of the numerous rocky ledges along so-called "Agony Ridge" that offer amazing views up to Lafayette and the entire Franconia Range. All of my White Mountain 4,000-Footer hikes with the nephews wind up having catch phrases, which have ranged from the humorous "can you cut the mustard?" to the sullen "this sucks," depending on their moods. For this hike, it was simply "What a Vista!"
 |
| Franconia Ridge Trail, View to the South |
What a vista is right. This hike has nothing but great views. The dramatic perspectives up to the top of the ridge as you ascend are only the first. Greenleaf Hut, where we took a break and filled up our water bottles, sits on a prominent pondside point that affords a great view to Lafayette's looming summit cone. After climbing Laffy, we headed south along the Franconia Ridge Trail to Mount Lincoln. This entire route, of course, has amazing views in all directions, making it one of the most popular trails in the White Mountains. At the summit of Little Haystack, we descended into the notch via the Falling Waters Trail, which proved to be equally picturesque since the recent rains had the many namesake waterfalls tumbling in full force.
Lafayette has always been my favorite... even more so now.
Peaks: Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln
Elevation: 5,260 feet and 5,089 (Gain: 4,044 feet)
Distance: 8.5 miles
Route: Loop, Old Bridle Path to Franconia Ridge Trail to Falling Waters Trail to Old Bridle Path to
Conditions: Pleasant and clear, 50 degrees F
Notable Flora and Fauna: Blackpoll Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Bicknell's Thrush
