[Andrew]

I am looking for some information on the Franconia Ridge Loop. How many peaks can you bag? I read six, but I don't think that is on the loop.

I'm hoping to get this trail in before too long. I've heard hikers refer to it as the most beautiful few miles of the AT, and is clearly one of the most spectacular hikes in the whites.

Thanks in advance!

[dudley]

Unless you are just rushing around just trying to "bag peaks" the loop to Lincoln/Lafayette is a pretty full day
Up Fallingwaters, north on the ridge, down the Old Bridle Path.
Plenty of time to poke around.
When I was a kid I did the whole ridge one day, blew out my knee. Big mistake.
My friends that were with me that day never went hiking again
I've been forced to take it slow ever since
I spent a lot of time in that area back then, haven't been back in a long time.

[Andrew]

Well, I'm not really doing it "just" to bag peaks. I want a great hike with awesome views!

[dudley]

Andrew, on Oct 2 2006, 08:31 AM, said:

How many peaks can you bag? I read six, but I don't think that is on the loop.

Sorry if I misunderstood
As I've stated before, my hiking is not goal orientated
I don't even keep track myself

[Andrew]

I'm certainly trying to get them all under my belt, but I'm not going to just run around and climb them as quickly as possible. Like most hikers, I do it for the experience of being out there, and doing it.

Is this a tough trail? Have you done the loop?

[dudley]

I have been on all the trails up Franconia Ridge at one time or another, but not for many years.
As I remember there was a lot of huffin' 'n puffin' in some sections but the reward was well worth it.

I, for one, will not be taking the Flume Slide trail ever again.
No fond memories there.

[Andrew]

any advice or suggestions would be great. We are hoping to take one car, so a loop would be ideal.

[Andrew]

Any suggestions of where to park, or what trails to take?

[dudley]

dudley, on Oct 2 2006, 10:04 AM, said:

the loop to Lincoln/Lafayette is a pretty full day
Up Fallingwaters, north on the ridge, down the Old Bridle Path.
Plenty of time to poke around.

One of the best hikes in the Whites
It's actually Up the Falling Waters trail
North on the Franconia Ridge trail over Lincoln and Lafayette
Down the Greenleaf trail to the Greenleaf Hut
Then down the Old Bridle Path to complete the loop.
Expect this to be much tougher then the trails you were on on Mooselauke
If you don't already have an AMC White Mountain Guide you should get one
All the info you need to know including directions to trailhead parking.

[Andrew]

cool, I'll check it out. I think we are off the entire loop idea because of time. We may hike in for a few hours, then turn around and hike out.

I'm just looking forward to the scenery.

[dudley]

AMC White Mountain Guide edited by Gene Daniell & Steven D. Smith, cartography by Larry Garland. 27th Edition, 2003. The latest version of this White Mountain classic, first published in 1907, features updated trail descriptions and GPS-surveyed color trail maps (paper with 100-foot contours, folded to 3 1/2" x 4 3/4") with enhanced topography. Suggested easy, moderate and strenuous hikes are included with each chapter, and ten new trails are described. Printed on a thinner, lighter paper than the last edition. Includes descriptions for all 1200 miles of trails in the Whites, with lots of good background info on hiking safety, geography, leave-no-trace, etc. A must for serious White Mountain hikers. 588 pp, 5” x 7”.
Item #NHH01: $22.95

This is the "bible" for hiking the Whites
You can get it HERE

[Andrew]

loops.....

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[Andrew]

heading out! I'll be sure and get some pictures.

chilly morning... nice!

:banana: :cuke: :banana:

[Andrew]

Wow... what an incredible trail!


We did:
Bridle Trail => Ridge trail => Falling water trail.

Thanks to Paugus for the company. What a great day. I’m a little out of shape, and the ridge was PACKED, but I’m glad we got this in!




the pic below is from my cam-phone. I will have digi pics soon

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[Paugus]

Good pick bro,should've had me snap that one for you with you in it! I've got some good ones on my phone also but have to figure out how to download them to computer,I'm still computer illiterate! What a great day bro,going to have to plan the next one soon!Thank Danielle again for me!