Mount Lafayette

Date of Hike: 7/14/13

Greenleaf Trail: 3.8 miles  / Garfield Ridge Trail: 0.8miles  /  Skookumchuck Trail: 4.3 miles
Total Miles: 8.9 miles (3,500 elevation gain)

Trip Report:
- On Sunday, I headed to the Greanleaf Trail to hike up with Bob for a quieter approach up to Mount Lafayette's summit.
- I've only been on the lower section of the Greenleaf Trail once before, so I was excited to get back on it.  To get to the trail you park at the Cannon Mountain tramway lot, head underneath I-93, take a left onto the northbound ramp, and within a few feet you turn right off the road and onto the trail which leads into the woods.
- The hike up was a hot and humid one with Dusty leading the way.  The Greanleaf Trail passes by Eagle Cliff which is pretty impressive and then through a pretty moss covered forest.  There are not many views along the trail but the footing and grades are easy to moderate making for a pleasant hike to the Greanleaf Hut.
- Bob, Dusty, and myself took a nice long break at the hut before heading into the thick clouds and fog above treeline up to the summit.  I was happy there were thick clouds and fog, it kept the temps cooler and the sun at bay.
- We made it up to the summit around noonish and relaxed for a half hour before our friend Kelsey showed up.  There were lots of people and dogs at the summit, it was a dog petting zoo!
- After relaxing for a few minutes we headed north on the Garfield Ridge Trail to the Skookumchuck Trail.  The clouds started to lift at times creating some decent views but overall we were in the clouds.  The weather did break but not until we were below treeline.
- It was the first time I was on the Skookumchuck Trail.  I liked it, although the lower half seemed to never end.  It's a pretty trail in spots as it heads through open woods in one section.  Other than that it's your standard White Mountain Trail, some rough footing with roots and mud. 

 Greanleaf Trailhead

Greanleaf Trail Sign 

 Greenleaf Trail

 Old Slide near Eagle Pass

Dusty going through Eagle Pass

 Eagle Pass

 Greenleaf Trail

 Enchanted forest on the Greenleaf Trail

 Greenleaf Trail

 Above treeline, into the fog and clouds

 North Lafayette on the Garfield Ridge Trail

 Owl's Head

 Skookumchuck Trail

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