Trip Description

We will be hiking the 8.1 mile Franconia Ridge loop in a counter clockwise direction, hiking up the Falling Waters trail, traversing Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette, and heading down the Greenleaf Trail and Old Bridle Path trail. This route will include more than 1.5 miles of above-treeline travel, during which goggles and face coverings that leave no skin exposed will be necessary. The elevation gain will be 3,900 ft. The combined distance, elevation, and requirements of above treeline travel make this a strenuous hike.

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/EP1V0

Requirements

Winter hiking experience (at least B level) and experience hiking similar mileage & elevation gain during any season on comprable terrain (i.e. steep and rocky). You should be able to do this distance/elevation comfortably in three-season conditions, without feeling as though you're near your limit at the end in order to do this safely in winter conditions.

Logistics

There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting at the MITOC Office on Thursday, to rent or check equipment and adjust crampons. Make sure to bring the winter hiking boots you will be using on this trip so we can fit the crampons. An ice-axe will likely also be necessary, as well as micro-spikes.

The forecast weather for this weekend is very cold, so it is important that you can fully cover your face. Please bring your goggles, balaclava, buffs etc. to the meeting so we can check your system before the weekend! Here is a forecast, which includes windchill: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Lafayette/forecasts/1603

Further details will be sent out after the lottery runs. Please make sure to check back on this site Wednesday morning past 9AM to see which trip you have gotten a spot on!

We reserve the right to select participants based on previous experience. Winning the lottery does not guarantee a place on this trip. Thank you for your understanding and please email us with any questions.

Itinerary

5:00 AM: Leave Boston

7:00 AM: Quick stop at Dunkin in Lincoln for a quick breakfast /bathroom break and final gear check

8.00 AM: Arrive and start hiking from the Old Bridle Path Trailhead

1.00 PM: Turnaround time

4:00 PM: Finish hike, head back to Boston (sunset at around 4:30)

Shadow Leading

If you are an experienced co-B or B winter hiking leader and would like to join this trip as a shadow leader, please email us asap. We have reserved two places on this hike for shadow leaders.