1. What is the Franconia Ridge?

Franconia Ridge is one of the most iconic and breathtaking ridgelines in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, part of the greater Appalachian Mountain Range. Nestled within the Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountain National Forest, this dramatic alpine route stretches across several 4,000-foot peaks and offers panoramic views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

Known for its exposed ridgeline and stunning 360-degree vistas, it connects three major summits: Little Haystack Mountain (4,780 ft), Mount Lincoln (5,089 ft), and Mount Lafayette (5,260 ft) — the highest point on the ridge. It is considered one of the best hikes in the Northeast and a top ranked hike on All trails.

2. Weather on Franconia Ridge

Best Time to Go

• Late Spring to Early Fall (Mid-May to mid-October) is the best window, with the most stable weather and clear trail access.
• Fall foliage (late September to early October) draws thousands of visitors for the cool hiking weather and 360 views of the fall trees.
• Winter: The ridge is technically accessible in winter, but only for experienced hikers with snowshoeing, mountaineering, and avalanche safety skills. High winds, icy trails, and rapidly changing weather make it dangerous.

Temperature Ranges (Estimates)

Season	Base Temp (Notch)	Ridge Temp (Windchill)
Summer	60s-80s (F)	40s-60s (F)
Fall	40s-60s (F)	20s-40s (F)
Winter	10s-30s (F)	Below zero

Wind speeds on the ridge can reach 40-60 mph even on relatively clear days.

3. Major Points to See

Peaks & Trails

• Mount Lafayette (5,260 ft) – Highest point; sweeping views.
• Mount Lincoln (5,089 ft) – Midpoint of the ridge.
• Little Haystack (4,780 ft) – Starting/ending point of the ridge walk.
• Falling Waters Trail – Scenic waterfalls.
• Old Bridle Path – Gradual climb with lookout points.
• Greenleaf Hut – AMC-run hut, great rest stop or overnight.

Nearby Towns

• Lincoln, NH – Base town with restaurants, gear shops (like Lahout’s), coffee, and hostels.
  • Hotel Costs: Range from $90–$250 per night depending on season. Options include RiverWalk Resort, Holiday Inn Express, and motels like Parkers or Franconia Notch Motel.
  • Camping: Lafayette Place Campground (seasonal, ~$25–35 per site).
• Woodstock – Great for post-hike beers at Woodstock Inn Brewery.

4. Day Hike: Franconia Ridge Loop

Loop Overview (depicted above)

• Distance: 9.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: ~3,900 ft
• Route: Falling Waters Trail → Little Haystack → Mt. Lincoln → Mt. Lafayette → Old Bridle Path
• Time: 6-8 hours’
• AllTrails Link

Alternate Day Hikes

• Mt. Liberty & Mt. Flume via Liberty Spring Trail (out-and-back, 10 miles)
• Greenleaf Hut via Old Bridle Path (moderate, 4.6 miles RT)
• Lonesome Lake Trail (easy-moderate, 3 miles RT)

What to Bring on a Day Hike

• 2-3L water (no natural sources on the ridge)
• Layered clothing (weather changes fast!)
• Snacks and electrolytes
• Rain jacket, fleece, gloves, hat (even in summer)
• Trail map (paper or AllTrails)
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles

Check out out what we use in our hiking/backpacking gear:

5. 1–2 Night Itinerary: Backpacking Franconia Ridge

This is ideal if you want to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1:
  • Park at Lafayette Place
  • Hike up Falling Waters Trail
  • Summit Little Haystack → Lincoln → Lafayette
  • Descend via Greenleaf Trail to Greenleaf Hut (overnight, reservation required)
• Day 2:
  • Hike back to trailhead via Old Bridle Path

2-Night Option (Adding Guyot Shelter) ~ 26 miles

• Day 1:
  • Start at Lafayette Place
  • Ascend Falling Waters → Lincoln → Lafayette
  • Continue north on Garfield Ridge Trail
  • Overnight at Garfield Ridge Campsite (fee: ~$15)
• Day 2:
  • Hike to Galehead Hut for a break
  • Continue to Guyot Shelter for night 2 (fee: ~$15)

• Day 3:
  • Exit back to Galehead and descend greenleaf trail to trailhead or Zealand Trailhead (requires shuttle)

6. 3+ Days on Franconia Ridge (Optional Extension)

While Franconia Ridge itself is short, it’s part of the Pemigewasset Loop, a larger ~30-mile circuit.

Pemi Loop Overview

• Days: 3–4
• Distance: 28–32 miles depending on variation
• Route Highlights:
  • Franconia Ridge (Lafayette, Lincoln, Little Haystack)
  • Mt. Garfield
  • Mt. Galehead
  • South Twin
  • Bondcliff Range

This is a challenging, multi-day loop for experienced backpackers but is one of the most stunning routes in the Northeast.

7. Logistics: Parking, Permits, Shelters

Parking Info

• Lafayette Place Trailhead Parking: Main lot for Franconia Ridge hikes.
  • Cost: Free for day use; overnight parking allowed.
  • Overflow: If full, use Cannon Tramway lot or Haystack Road (check signage).
  • No permits required for parking or day hiking.

Shelters & Huts

• Greenleaf Hut (AMC):
  • Open late May to mid-October
  • Cost: ~$60–80 for members, ~$100–125 for non-members
  • Includes bunk, dinner & breakfast; reservation required
• Garfield Ridge Campsite / Guyot Shelter:
  • Cost: ~$15 per person/night (first-come, first-served)
  • Operated by AMC; caretaker present in high season
  • Tent platforms and composting toilets