Saturday, January 11, 2025
New Hampshire, White Mountains,
NH United States
Join us for a winter day hike to Mts. Lafayette (5,242') and Lincoln (5,080'). Weather depending, we hope to experience phenomenal 360 degree views from the extensive above tree line portion of the Franconia Ridge, running from Little Haystack Mountain to Greenleaf Hut on the shoulder of Mt. Lafayette. Expect an approximately 8.5-mile hike at a moderate pace with approximately 3,800' of elevation gain. While the views from the Franconia Ridge are among the finest in the White Mountains, the Franconia Ridge also has a well-deserved reputation for dangerous weather. Approximately 2.5 miles of our hike will be above tree line, fully exposed to the weather. As a result, participants must have considerable experience hiking strenuous 4,000 footers either this winter or last winter AND must have considerable experience hiking above treeline in the White Mountains in winter. This hike is NOT appropriate as a first above treeline hike in winter. We will hold Sunday, January 12 as a backup date for this hike. If conditions on both days are not safe for hiking above treeline, we will instead hike Mts. Liberty and Flume. Because the Franconia Ridge tends to feature poor weather in winter, particularly in January, participants should understand that the chances of switching to Liberty and Flume are high. We expect interest in this hike to be high, and thus we ask that you consider your interest in hiking Liberty and Flume before registering for this hike. If you are not interested in hiking Liberty and Flume as an alternative, we recommend attempting the Franconia Ridge later in winter when the ratio of bad to good weather days starts to decrease. Depending on weather conditions, be prepared for a strenuous 8-10 hour hike and potential winter conditions with cold, wind, ice, snow, and a strong possibility of breaking trail. Please be an experienced winter hiker in good physical condition, with full winter gear including winter boots, microspikes, snowshoes, full crampons, ice axe, wind protection, face protection, rain gear, and multiple clothing layers. To address unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather, unacceptable trail conditions or excessive crowding, the planned trip destination, activity and/or meeting place and time may be modified. In that event, participants may elect to join in that activity or opt out.
Free
