Join a trip along one of the most famous routes in the Northeast, the Franconia Ridge Loop, visiting two 5000-footers (Mt. Lafayette and Mt. Lincoln) and frozen waterfalls along the way! Mt. Lafayette is the highest NH peak outside of the Presidential Range. The ridge is known for amazing views, with Franconia Notch on one side and the Pemigewasset Wilderness on the other. On a very clear day, you can see 38 other NH 4000-footers, and maybe even Vermont and Canada.

Route

The route is 8.9 mi long with 3950 ft. gain (a strenuous hike), but the real challenge and fun are the 2.3 miles above treeline. We'll go clockwise, up Old Bridle Path and Greenleaf Trail, along Franconia Ridge Trail, and down Falling Waters Trails. Map

Because of the potential of strong winds and low wind chill temperatures, the ability to cover every inch of skin with goggle, balaclava, warm gloves/mittens, etc. is essential. If you are signing up without having hiked above treeline in the Northeast before, you must practice with your goggles/balaclava setup in advance to know that your goggles won't fog up quickly, and ideally have extra goggles on hand.

Logistics

• Winning the lottery does not guarantee a place on this trip; we reserve the right to select participants based on experience.
• Mandatory in-person pre-trip meeting Thursday, January 22, 6:00pm in the Student Center. Participants will be expected to show their full face covering and to adjust their crampons to their boot length there.
• We will leave Cambridge early and stop for a quick breakfast along the way.
• If you can drive your own car or are willing to drive a rental car, please edit your lottery preferences to show this.

Costs

Expected cost per person: $5 fee, $15 gear rental, $25-$40 drive. MIT undergrads can request financial aid.