MtnMagic
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Date(s) Hiked: July 17, 2003
Trails(s) Hiked: Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, Greenleaf, Old Bridle
Total Distance: 8.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: A sunny, wonderful summer day, with views for miles
Special Required Equipment: Sun block, windbreaker, dry T-shirt, camera, plenty of caloric foods and water
Trip Report:
Art, an Adirondack Mountain hiker from NY, together with Ghostdog and I left Lafayette Place, site of a former tavern built in 1835, at 9 AM, Thursday, July 17, 2003. We hiked up Falling Waters Trail, to Little Haystack across Franconia Ridge, to Lincoln, and Lafayette Mountains to the Greenleaf A.M.C. hut. It rained the day earlier, heavily at times, so we expected the cascades and falls to be voluminous. We were not disappointed.
Rock-hopping across Dry Brook, Stairs Falls now comes into view, the water splay-legged and dancing wildly. Climbing up Sawteeth Ledges, the beautiful and picturesque Swiftwater Falls is crossed. The trail now gets steeper with a steady grade to the grand finale, the 80’ high Cloudland Falls and views Eastward of the Kinsman’s and Moosilauke mountains.
Reaching the sign and the views from Shining Rock on the short, 300’ spur path always gives renewed energy, knowing incredible views await us. Caution: Enjoy only the views from Shining Rock. The ledge is steep, slippery and not to climbed without the proper training and equipment.
One may feel slightly discouraged, as the trail continues with many precipitous switchbacks for the last half-mile to the treeless summit of Little Haystack and this entire ridge. The spectacular Franconia Ridge Trail, with its many sub-tropical flowers encountered in the alpine zone and views in all directions always makes this climb sensational.
We spoke to dozens of hikers of all ages who were also on this enchanted one-mile walk to Mounts Lincoln and Lafayette. Views down into the Pemigewasset Wilderness, of Owl’s Head, the Bonds, and beyond to the Presidentials are unforgettable.
A stop at the newly remodeled hut to have some lunch, rest and trail talk was perfect after a long day. Art had a hut reservation for the evening so we shook hands and thanked each other for another great day of hiking. Ghostdog and I endured the remaining 3 miles down Old Bridle Path to Lafayette Place.
The last, or first cascade (depending on your route!) named Walker Cascade is on the Old Bridle Path. It is less than a quarter of a mile from the trailhead, about 300’ on the North side of Walker Brook behind the wooden foot bridge. At 150’ long and cascading down the granite bedrock into pools, Walker is a most inviting cold swim after the rugged, loop hike.
This is a classic hiking loop that well-conditioned hikers will find challenging, rewarding, and delightful. Our choice, which can be hiked in either direction, was 8.9 miles, had a 3900’ elevation gain and took about 6.5 hours, not including the visit to the hut, and the sensational ridge and summit views that kept us in awe!
© 2003 MtnMagic. All rights reserved.
Trails(s) Hiked: Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, Greenleaf, Old Bridle
Total Distance: 8.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: A sunny, wonderful summer day, with views for miles
Special Required Equipment: Sun block, windbreaker, dry T-shirt, camera, plenty of caloric foods and water
Trip Report:
Art, an Adirondack Mountain hiker from NY, together with Ghostdog and I left Lafayette Place, site of a former tavern built in 1835, at 9 AM, Thursday, July 17, 2003. We hiked up Falling Waters Trail, to Little Haystack across Franconia Ridge, to Lincoln, and Lafayette Mountains to the Greenleaf A.M.C. hut. It rained the day earlier, heavily at times, so we expected the cascades and falls to be voluminous. We were not disappointed.
Rock-hopping across Dry Brook, Stairs Falls now comes into view, the water splay-legged and dancing wildly. Climbing up Sawteeth Ledges, the beautiful and picturesque Swiftwater Falls is crossed. The trail now gets steeper with a steady grade to the grand finale, the 80’ high Cloudland Falls and views Eastward of the Kinsman’s and Moosilauke mountains.
Reaching the sign and the views from Shining Rock on the short, 300’ spur path always gives renewed energy, knowing incredible views await us. Caution: Enjoy only the views from Shining Rock. The ledge is steep, slippery and not to climbed without the proper training and equipment.
One may feel slightly discouraged, as the trail continues with many precipitous switchbacks for the last half-mile to the treeless summit of Little Haystack and this entire ridge. The spectacular Franconia Ridge Trail, with its many sub-tropical flowers encountered in the alpine zone and views in all directions always makes this climb sensational.
We spoke to dozens of hikers of all ages who were also on this enchanted one-mile walk to Mounts Lincoln and Lafayette. Views down into the Pemigewasset Wilderness, of Owl’s Head, the Bonds, and beyond to the Presidentials are unforgettable.
A stop at the newly remodeled hut to have some lunch, rest and trail talk was perfect after a long day. Art had a hut reservation for the evening so we shook hands and thanked each other for another great day of hiking. Ghostdog and I endured the remaining 3 miles down Old Bridle Path to Lafayette Place.
The last, or first cascade (depending on your route!) named Walker Cascade is on the Old Bridle Path. It is less than a quarter of a mile from the trailhead, about 300’ on the North side of Walker Brook behind the wooden foot bridge. At 150’ long and cascading down the granite bedrock into pools, Walker is a most inviting cold swim after the rugged, loop hike.
This is a classic hiking loop that well-conditioned hikers will find challenging, rewarding, and delightful. Our choice, which can be hiked in either direction, was 8.9 miles, had a 3900’ elevation gain and took about 6.5 hours, not including the visit to the hut, and the sensational ridge and summit views that kept us in awe!
© 2003 MtnMagic. All rights reserved.
