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Mount Lafayette
5,260 feet
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Mount Lafayette
5,260 feet
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#2
Stickball13 
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Posted 11 Sep 2007 - 06:00 PM
From my Journal
Mount Lafayette — 5260 feet
Mount Lincoln — 5089 feet
20 & 21 of 48
Sept 6, 2004
Old Bridle Path
Greenleaf Trail
Franconia Ridge Trail
Falling Waters Trail
Book time round trip: 7:55
Elevation gain: 3600 feet
Length of trip: 8.8 miles
I will start by saying this is one of my favorite hikes in the White Mountains.
The morning didn't look to promising as it was very cloudy with a threat of rain but we still took our chances and headed north to the mountains, primarily because the weather report said it was going to be a nice day.
To get to the trailhead we went north on route 93 until we came to the hikers parking lot at Lafayette. The accent to Mount Lafayette and Lincoln started at the Old Bridle Path which was once a logging road. This trail would lead us up to the Greanleaf Hut before the major incline to Mount Lafayette. The first 1.6 miles of the trail was very easy except for one section of about 150 feet that was very steep and narrow. Almost straight up that required crawling up using your hands. In this section only one person at a time could pass. It took us about 20 minutes to go through as there were about six other people trying to pass through this section at the same time. Once we got through we were pretty wet from the low lying clouds and wet rocks.
At the hut we picked up the Greanleaf Trail. This would bring us up to the Franconia Ridge Trail on the summit of Mount Lafayette.
The hike to the summit was very steep all above tree line. The trail was mostly stone stairs. Many of the cairns were about five feet high. As we approached the summit we were above the clouds, this was just unbelievable. At the summit, we could see mountain peaks for miles.
All of the 4000 foot mountains summits were showing above the clouds. This was just a spectacular site to see. After spending a little time looking in every direction we continued along the Franconia Ridge Trail towards Mount Lincoln. You never know what to expect when hiking a ridge trail. You don’t know it will be easy or difficult. In this case the Franconia Ridge Trail was very easy and beautiful as you could see in every direction.
While at the summit of Lincoln we stopped to talk to a ranger about views of the mountain peaks being above the clouds. He told us that this was only the fifth time he had seen it like this.
After spending a little time at the summit of Lincoln we decided, it was about time to head back to the car.
Mount Lafayette — 5260 feet
Mount Lincoln — 5089 feet
20 & 21 of 48
Sept 6, 2004
Old Bridle Path
Greenleaf Trail
Franconia Ridge Trail
Falling Waters Trail
Book time round trip: 7:55
Elevation gain: 3600 feet
Length of trip: 8.8 miles
I will start by saying this is one of my favorite hikes in the White Mountains.
The morning didn't look to promising as it was very cloudy with a threat of rain but we still took our chances and headed north to the mountains, primarily because the weather report said it was going to be a nice day.
To get to the trailhead we went north on route 93 until we came to the hikers parking lot at Lafayette. The accent to Mount Lafayette and Lincoln started at the Old Bridle Path which was once a logging road. This trail would lead us up to the Greanleaf Hut before the major incline to Mount Lafayette. The first 1.6 miles of the trail was very easy except for one section of about 150 feet that was very steep and narrow. Almost straight up that required crawling up using your hands. In this section only one person at a time could pass. It took us about 20 minutes to go through as there were about six other people trying to pass through this section at the same time. Once we got through we were pretty wet from the low lying clouds and wet rocks.
At the hut we picked up the Greanleaf Trail. This would bring us up to the Franconia Ridge Trail on the summit of Mount Lafayette.
The hike to the summit was very steep all above tree line. The trail was mostly stone stairs. Many of the cairns were about five feet high. As we approached the summit we were above the clouds, this was just unbelievable. At the summit, we could see mountain peaks for miles.
All of the 4000 foot mountains summits were showing above the clouds. This was just a spectacular site to see. After spending a little time looking in every direction we continued along the Franconia Ridge Trail towards Mount Lincoln. You never know what to expect when hiking a ridge trail. You don’t know it will be easy or difficult. In this case the Franconia Ridge Trail was very easy and beautiful as you could see in every direction.
While at the summit of Lincoln we stopped to talk to a ranger about views of the mountain peaks being above the clouds. He told us that this was only the fifth time he had seen it like this.
After spending a little time at the summit of Lincoln we decided, it was about time to head back to the car.
#3
Soulfrk
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Posted 13 Sep 2007 - 10:13 AM
I’m generally a very well prepared hiker. When I climbed Layette and Lincoln however I made a mistake, and paid for it.
Hiking alone I’m always sure I double check my equipment. First aid, at least 2 liters of water, my Pur pump filter, water proof matches, emergency blanket, knife, rain gear, fleece, winter hat and gloves (even in July), Dry bag with extra socks and shirt, map, compass, GPS, batteries, Cell phone (turned off), Reflector, guy line, (can be used as laces) and enough food and snacks for an extra day.
A beautiful sunny day in July I hit the trail head early in the morning the temperature was 80 when I left the truck. I kept a good pace going up Old Bridal path, and enjoyed a nice snack on the ridge looking over the ravine in front of the two mountains. It was a hot day, with a refreshing breeze – I took my shirt off and proceeded to climb up to the hut were I stopped again for a break. ‘Breath taking’ I remember thinking as I gazed up at the treeless summit approach of this 5k footer. With the soft breeze at my back I started the climb. I don’t remember how long it took from there, but I remember being awestruck by the view out over the Pemi I admired the bonds (which I had hiked a few weeks before). I spent a bit of time relaxing up here and the pushed on to Lincoln. Of the two peaks I think I liked Lincoln more, it must have been 2 maybe 3; the sun was warm but the breeze cool enough to comfort me – The perfect day for hiking. I relaxed again and started to eat lunch. Breathing in the fresh mountain air I looked up again at the sun. ‘Warm’ I thought, ‘nice sunny day’ I thought, ‘suppose to be in the 90’s today’ I thought, ‘Man the breeze feels good’ I thought. I looked over at a couple who had joined me on the summit lathering on sun block… ‘Oh shit!’ I thought. Suddenly the benevolent sunshine seemed more viscous then happy; I went into my bag for my Sunblock – left it behind, I knew better than to let my skin stay exposed. I put the shirt back on. The damage was already done. I’m Irish, and had been out in the sun shirtless for at least 3 hours. – Stupid. I went down the falling waters trail, and stopped every chance I got to cool my shoulders in the waterfalls. Later a doctor said that had probably made a big difference. Apparently a bad enough sun burn can continue to burn hours after you’re out of the sun.
By the next morning my skin wasn’t red, it was purple. I had an awful headache and not only was my skin searing, but my muscles felt sore. It wasn’t until that afternoon when my shoulders began to blister and I was feeling faint I went to the hospital. Second degree burns, and sun poisoning.
I was prepared for rain, thunderstorms, a rolled ankle, getting lost, pretty much ready to spend an unexpected night in the woods. I just wasn’t prepared for a beautiful sunny summer day. To this day when I get any sun at all, there are still tan lines that outline the straps of my backpack, and the scars on my shoulders have finally started to fade.
Nevertheless that trail is still one of my favorites – I’m just always sure to bring the Coppertone, and sorry Dudley I’m not an advocate of hiking naked.
Hiking alone I’m always sure I double check my equipment. First aid, at least 2 liters of water, my Pur pump filter, water proof matches, emergency blanket, knife, rain gear, fleece, winter hat and gloves (even in July), Dry bag with extra socks and shirt, map, compass, GPS, batteries, Cell phone (turned off), Reflector, guy line, (can be used as laces) and enough food and snacks for an extra day.
A beautiful sunny day in July I hit the trail head early in the morning the temperature was 80 when I left the truck. I kept a good pace going up Old Bridal path, and enjoyed a nice snack on the ridge looking over the ravine in front of the two mountains. It was a hot day, with a refreshing breeze – I took my shirt off and proceeded to climb up to the hut were I stopped again for a break. ‘Breath taking’ I remember thinking as I gazed up at the treeless summit approach of this 5k footer. With the soft breeze at my back I started the climb. I don’t remember how long it took from there, but I remember being awestruck by the view out over the Pemi I admired the bonds (which I had hiked a few weeks before). I spent a bit of time relaxing up here and the pushed on to Lincoln. Of the two peaks I think I liked Lincoln more, it must have been 2 maybe 3; the sun was warm but the breeze cool enough to comfort me – The perfect day for hiking. I relaxed again and started to eat lunch. Breathing in the fresh mountain air I looked up again at the sun. ‘Warm’ I thought, ‘nice sunny day’ I thought, ‘suppose to be in the 90’s today’ I thought, ‘Man the breeze feels good’ I thought. I looked over at a couple who had joined me on the summit lathering on sun block… ‘Oh shit!’ I thought. Suddenly the benevolent sunshine seemed more viscous then happy; I went into my bag for my Sunblock – left it behind, I knew better than to let my skin stay exposed. I put the shirt back on. The damage was already done. I’m Irish, and had been out in the sun shirtless for at least 3 hours. – Stupid. I went down the falling waters trail, and stopped every chance I got to cool my shoulders in the waterfalls. Later a doctor said that had probably made a big difference. Apparently a bad enough sun burn can continue to burn hours after you’re out of the sun.
By the next morning my skin wasn’t red, it was purple. I had an awful headache and not only was my skin searing, but my muscles felt sore. It wasn’t until that afternoon when my shoulders began to blister and I was feeling faint I went to the hospital. Second degree burns, and sun poisoning.
I was prepared for rain, thunderstorms, a rolled ankle, getting lost, pretty much ready to spend an unexpected night in the woods. I just wasn’t prepared for a beautiful sunny summer day. To this day when I get any sun at all, there are still tan lines that outline the straps of my backpack, and the scars on my shoulders have finally started to fade.
Nevertheless that trail is still one of my favorites – I’m just always sure to bring the Coppertone, and sorry Dudley I’m not an advocate of hiking naked.
(not really me 
)
#5
sdways01
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Posted 14 Sep 2010 - 01:32 PM
Mt. Lafayette & Mt. Lincoln
9-11-2010
Old Bridal Path --> Greenleaf Trail --> Franconia Ridge Trail --> Falling Waters Trail
Distance: 7.387 mi.
Elevation Gain: 3,557 ft. or 3,787 ft combined round trip
Time: 3:04 (base to Lafayette)
0:42 (lafayette to Lincoln)
5:51 (total hiking)
The trail starts off nice and gentle getting you warmed up. It is mostly smooth and heads uphill only slightly. As you continue though the trail gets steaper and more rocky. It isn't all that hard going but if you do need a break there would be plenty of rocks to sit down on.
Early part of the trail
As the trail continues on it doesn't seem like you have gone very far before you finally start to get some views. At first they are little glimpses thru the trees of the tips of other mountains over the trees. Just a little higher though and you are treated to great views of the summit and the ridge leading up to it. As the trail continues there are multiple nice spots to stop and admire the view.
View thru the trees
Better view just a little higer
From the views here it looked like the first of the "agonies" would be a hard part of the climb. As the trail gets closer it is pretty easy going and not overly rocky. When you get to the "agonies" The trail immediately gets steeper and rockier. After a section of this you get a nice view point that finally lets you see out to the West towards Cannon Mtn. the rest of the "agonies" don't really make the hike any harder since it seems like the trail skirts around them some with no major ups or downs until you get to the Greenleaf hut.
Steep section of trail
Cannon Mtn
From the hut it still looks like you have quite a ways to hike by looking up the ridge. But you do since it is just over a mile and 1000 ft of elevation gain. From the hut the trail doesn't start off too bad. It isn't too rocky and doesn't go to steep. But as you get to the alpine zone you get more rocks and a steeper trail. This was probably the section for me that made my legs the most tired. You are also the most exposed to the wind on this section of trail.
View of Lafayette from the hut
The trail up Lafayette near the summit
Once you do reach the summit you are rewarded with great views in all directions. When I got to the summit there was already a flag flying even though it was around 11am. I heard later that someone had been flying the flag all night at this spot. Before noon it was taken down so the group that had this peak would be the only one flying. It was great to watch the group raise up their flag and also nice to see them sing God Bless America once it was up. Everyone gave them a round of applause when they were done.
Early flag at the summit
Panoramic from the summit of Lafayette
Putting the flag up
The hike from Lafayette to Lincoln was easy as the trail as is easy to follow (lined with rocks on both sides) and it wasn't overly rocky. The climb up out of the dip isn't bad either. But you may not notice how hard it is with the great views in all directions. Since it was after noon, the flag was already flying at the summit of Lincoln. The group flying the flag here also brought a larger flag to fly for the last 30 minutes of the 2 hour period as they weren't sure if their pole would take the large flag in winds for the entire time. It was good to see them raise this up as I got to see a flag go up on two summits in the same day.
The group that brought the flag(s) up Lincoln
Once the flags had come down it was time to star the trek to Little Haystack Mtn and the trail back to the truck. This section of trail was also not too bad and goes around what would have been the hardest part of the ridge.
Looking back up the ridge from Little Haystack
The trail coming down the mountain starts off pretty steep and rocky, but is still not too bad when descending. You just need to take your time and plan your steps ahead of time. There aren't really any views while coming down the trail. As the trail does get a little further down the mountain it does get less steep and has fewer big rocks. And when you get to the lower sections you get to pass right next to and in front of multiple waterfalls. This section of trail seemed busier (even on a busy hiking day) due to the people only hiking up to the falls.
One of the waterfalls on the way down
All in all this hike was a great one with great weather. Even though it was a little windy to start. The views from the ridge are spectacular and make it hard for you to want to leave and go home. I especially like the fact that you can look out to the Eastern side of the ridge and see no signs of civilization and only nature at it's finest.
For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE
9-11-2010
Old Bridal Path --> Greenleaf Trail --> Franconia Ridge Trail --> Falling Waters Trail
Distance: 7.387 mi.
Elevation Gain: 3,557 ft. or 3,787 ft combined round trip
Time: 3:04 (base to Lafayette)
0:42 (lafayette to Lincoln)
5:51 (total hiking)
The trail starts off nice and gentle getting you warmed up. It is mostly smooth and heads uphill only slightly. As you continue though the trail gets steaper and more rocky. It isn't all that hard going but if you do need a break there would be plenty of rocks to sit down on.
Early part of the trail
As the trail continues on it doesn't seem like you have gone very far before you finally start to get some views. At first they are little glimpses thru the trees of the tips of other mountains over the trees. Just a little higher though and you are treated to great views of the summit and the ridge leading up to it. As the trail continues there are multiple nice spots to stop and admire the view.
View thru the trees
Better view just a little higer
From the views here it looked like the first of the "agonies" would be a hard part of the climb. As the trail gets closer it is pretty easy going and not overly rocky. When you get to the "agonies" The trail immediately gets steeper and rockier. After a section of this you get a nice view point that finally lets you see out to the West towards Cannon Mtn. the rest of the "agonies" don't really make the hike any harder since it seems like the trail skirts around them some with no major ups or downs until you get to the Greenleaf hut.
Steep section of trail
Cannon Mtn
From the hut it still looks like you have quite a ways to hike by looking up the ridge. But you do since it is just over a mile and 1000 ft of elevation gain. From the hut the trail doesn't start off too bad. It isn't too rocky and doesn't go to steep. But as you get to the alpine zone you get more rocks and a steeper trail. This was probably the section for me that made my legs the most tired. You are also the most exposed to the wind on this section of trail.
View of Lafayette from the hut
The trail up Lafayette near the summit
Once you do reach the summit you are rewarded with great views in all directions. When I got to the summit there was already a flag flying even though it was around 11am. I heard later that someone had been flying the flag all night at this spot. Before noon it was taken down so the group that had this peak would be the only one flying. It was great to watch the group raise up their flag and also nice to see them sing God Bless America once it was up. Everyone gave them a round of applause when they were done.
Early flag at the summit
Panoramic from the summit of Lafayette
Putting the flag up
The hike from Lafayette to Lincoln was easy as the trail as is easy to follow (lined with rocks on both sides) and it wasn't overly rocky. The climb up out of the dip isn't bad either. But you may not notice how hard it is with the great views in all directions. Since it was after noon, the flag was already flying at the summit of Lincoln. The group flying the flag here also brought a larger flag to fly for the last 30 minutes of the 2 hour period as they weren't sure if their pole would take the large flag in winds for the entire time. It was good to see them raise this up as I got to see a flag go up on two summits in the same day.
The group that brought the flag(s) up Lincoln
Once the flags had come down it was time to star the trek to Little Haystack Mtn and the trail back to the truck. This section of trail was also not too bad and goes around what would have been the hardest part of the ridge.
Looking back up the ridge from Little Haystack
The trail coming down the mountain starts off pretty steep and rocky, but is still not too bad when descending. You just need to take your time and plan your steps ahead of time. There aren't really any views while coming down the trail. As the trail does get a little further down the mountain it does get less steep and has fewer big rocks. And when you get to the lower sections you get to pass right next to and in front of multiple waterfalls. This section of trail seemed busier (even on a busy hiking day) due to the people only hiking up to the falls.
One of the waterfalls on the way down
All in all this hike was a great one with great weather. Even though it was a little windy to start. The views from the ridge are spectacular and make it hard for you to want to leave and go home. I especially like the fact that you can look out to the Eastern side of the ridge and see no signs of civilization and only nature at it's finest.
For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE
#6
Mewalkinwoods
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Posted 15 Sep 2010 - 10:39 AM
Wonderful Photography. I felt like I was there.
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