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Franconia Ridge Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (213)
  1. Areas
  2. NH
  3. …White Mountain Region
  4. …Lincoln
  5. Franconia Notch State Park
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“A classic strenuous route that takes all your energy but gives so much in return! ”

Francis Fontaine
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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.4

KM

Loop

5,208' 1,587 m

High

1,824' 556 m

Low

3,566' 1,087 m

Up

3,564' 1,086 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

78%

Max Grade (38°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

**Stay on Trail** once you are above treeline, the alpine zone is very fragile and you can kill the plants by simply stepping on them.

Overview

This loop offers everything you can expect. Steep hard rocky terrain, yet superb panoramic views on an exposed ridgeline for a long mile! During the descent, you'll cross several waterfalls.

This is a strenuous and steep trail. You'll want to be in shape for this one!

Need to Know

About 3/4 of the way to the top, you'll get to Greenleaf hut, which is perfect for filling your water bottle with drinkable tap water. The hut also sells things like muffins, candy and coffee. It's a perfect place to eat your lunch.

The hike to the top is really rocky, so please do not use sandals - hiking boots or running shoes are really necessary here. On the summit you are exposed to full weather so bring windstopping clothes.

During the descent you'll follow a river and cross several waterfall so you could bring some water purifier and refill your water bottle there.

Keep to weight to a minimum and yet never ran out of water!

Description

Since it is a loop, you can do it both ways, but I like to start with the Old Bridle Path trail that goes to the summit of Mt. Lafayette. Going this direction offers several advantages, like water refilling and the views seem to be at the right time and place.

I like to split this into three parts, where the first part (4 miles) is the ascent. Start with Old Bridle Path and Greenleaf Trail, from the Franconia Notch Parkway (wich is an AMC Shuttle stop). It's an easy start for the 2 miles and gets much steeper after. You'll get really nice view of Mt. Lafayette. After 2.9 miles you'll arrive at Greenleaf hut. A rest there will be appreciated just before the summit pitch.

The second section is a push between four summits with 360 views for the next mile and a half. Be sure to take a rest at the first summit. Starting early in the morning will assure that you get the full view. You don't want to rush this part. It's a great place to take pictures of the wild.

The last part of the route is 3 miles long and is simply wonderful. It is steeper than the ascent though, be prepared! The trail follows a river and passes several waterfalls. Since I always do this part last, I get the golden sun of the late afternoon blazing through the forest... simply great.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - White Mountain National Forest Office

Shared By:

Francis Fontaine with improvements by Matthew Walker
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 213 votes

#1

in Franconia Notch State Park

#4

Overall
  4.9 from 213 votes
5 Star
91%
4 Star
8%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Franconia Notch State…

#1

in New Hampshire

#4

Overall
373 Views Last Month
155,353 Since Mar 21, 2015
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Photos

Franconia Ridge
May 25, 2016 near Deerfield, NH
Franconia Ridge Trail.
Apr 14, 2016 near Deerfield, NH
Braving chilly winds for the view between Lincoln and Lafayette.
Feb 6, 2022 near Deerfield, NH
Descending off of Mt. Lafayette.
Mar 25, 2015 near Deerfield, NH
The summit of Lincoln offers a beautiful view looking south.
Jun 25, 2017 near Deerfield, NH
Climbing Falling Waters Trail
Mar 25, 2015 near Lincoln, NH

10 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 17 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 12, 2024
Vincent perreault
Jul 5, 2024
Greg Mavissakalian
started at 8:15am
May 26, 2024
Yulia Pishchulina
8.3mi — 8h 40m
Oct 27, 2023
Joel Sherman
Trail was wet. Still a great hike. 9.5mi — 8h 21m
Jun 12, 2023
Jason West
Oct 23, 2022
Danielle Cervasio
What an amazing hike. Best view to effort ratio. Completed it in just over 7 hours with many breaks to take in the views and have a proper lunch. 8.6mi — 7h 18m
Sep 27, 2022
Courtney Sacco
Sep 27, 2022
Nate B

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