Trip Description

We will be hiking Franconia Ridge loop in a counterclockwise 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 is 8+ miles with ~3800 feet of elevation gain and includes 1.5+ miles above-treeline travel. The combined distance, elevation, and requirements of above treeline travel make this a strenuous hike.

Requirements

Participants should have done:

• At least two winter hikes 7 miles or longer (winter = below freezing and on snow/ice for most/all the hike) at some point in time, and

• At least one hike >8 miles and with >3500 feet elevation gain within the past six months.

Prior above-treeline experience is not required, but be prepared to show the leaders that you have proper layers and full face coverings (no skin exposed!) for above-treeline travel at the pre-trip meeting.

If you don't satisfy the prereqs listed above, but feel that you’d be a good fit for the trip, please send an email to the leaders. We want to make sure that this hike is safe and comfortable for everyone who joins.

Logistics

There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting at the MITOC Office on Thursday, January 25th to review trip logistics, rent gear, and check equipment.

Please bring the winter hiking boots you will be using in the trip. If you are renting gear, please bring deposit checks.

Trip 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!