Old Bridle Path: 2.9 miles / Greenleaf Trail: 1.1 miles / Franconia Ridge Trail: 1.7 miles / Falling Waters Trail: 3.0 miles
Total Miles: 8.9 (3,900 elevation gain)
Trip Report:
- With unseasonably warm temps overtaking the White Mountains recently I got an early start on Wednesday to get in a quick hike along Franconia Ridge before work and more importantly to get off the trails before the snow softened up too much to where post holing became an issue.
- Unlike Pinkham Notch which has been absurdly busy this week, Lafayette Place was extremely quiet with only one other car in the lot at 6:30AM
- The trails below treeline still have several feet of snow but were solid enough to make for easy passage with light traction. Above treeline was a different story, 50/50 bare ground and old rotting snow drifts.
- There was a stiff breeze above 4000 feet but with temps rising to 40 degrees it made the trek across the ridge with a light hat and old ratty gloves easy and straightforward.
- Views were muted from the cloud cover high above blocking out the sun but they were still grand as they always are up here when it's in the clear. I've been lucky enough to have been up here well over fifty times and I never take the views for granted, especially this time since I have been mourning the unexpected passing of my brother recently as he lost his battle with depression. Wherever he is in the afterlife, I'm sure he is able to watch over me and see the beautiful views I take in while above treeline and hopefully that it eases his pain. I love and miss you, Joe-Ben :)
Sarge strikes a pose along Agony Ridge
Sarge heads up Greenleaf Trail with Cannon and the Kinsmans behind him
Summit of Mount Lafayette
Sniffin' and lickin' the wind!
Classic Franconia Ridge Shot
Sarge on the summit of Mount Lincoln
Mount Lafayette behind Sarge
Presidential Range off in the distance
Sarge on Little Haystack with Mount Lincoln in view
Cloudland Falls
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