M
mryan
Guest
b]Date(s) Hiked: [/b] 6.12.04
Trails(s) Hiked: Bridle Path(ascent); Franconia Ridge(traverse);Falling Water(descent)
Total Distance: 8.9m
Difficulty: moderate to mild
Conditions: sunny, clear
erfect
Special Required Equipment: none
Trip Report: The four of us arrived at the trailhead, located across from Lafayette Place Campground, at 7:30 this morning and without delay set off. Ascending the Old Bridle Path was, on this day, a breeze. We moved quickly, arriving at the Greenleaf Hut at 9:20. It was desolate, save for the few employees toiling inside. After a short rest, we began the final mile of ascent. The trail descends at first down toward the lake, which on this day, under this clear sky, was sparkling. Then it's into a stand of dwarf pines and in a short distance they drop away, leaving only you, rocks, and sky.
The views were exceptional, and we took several breaks to enjoy them. But the rests were short because it was quite cool above treeline, maybe somewhere in the forties with a moderate wind. At 10:10 we arrived at the summit. Only two women, apparently volunteers for the AMC and Park Service, joined us. One was so kind as to take our picture using the Presidentials as a backdrop. Becasue it was somewhat cold, we ate quickly a nd rested briefly, setting off down the Ridge at 10:35.
The conditions on the Ridge were perfect. We, however, were the only group moving in that direction. Hoards of people, having just ascended Falling Water, were making the traverse in the opposite direction, the seemingly more popular direction to take. We trudged on, arriving at the interesection of Falling Waters at 11:28. From there it was a relativley quick ascent down Falling Water, a surprisingly steep and rough path. Our quickness was impeded only by the hoards of groups heading up. Much of the descent was interrupted by short periods of waiting as lines of people ascended past us. Near the bottom, after having crossed for the last time that river, I spotted a huuuuge moose crossing the path and galloping quickly into the woods.
At 1:10 we arrived back at the car. We stripped off our boots, chugged some water, ate some food, and then hopped on 93 South for the trip back home. On the way, we stopped for the obligatory three beers and a burger. Today, I can say, was one of the finest hikes I have done. Now we go to hoist some more beers.
Cheers.
Trails(s) Hiked: Bridle Path(ascent); Franconia Ridge(traverse);Falling Water(descent)
Total Distance: 8.9m
Difficulty: moderate to mild
Conditions: sunny, clear
erfectSpecial Required Equipment: none
Trip Report: The four of us arrived at the trailhead, located across from Lafayette Place Campground, at 7:30 this morning and without delay set off. Ascending the Old Bridle Path was, on this day, a breeze. We moved quickly, arriving at the Greenleaf Hut at 9:20. It was desolate, save for the few employees toiling inside. After a short rest, we began the final mile of ascent. The trail descends at first down toward the lake, which on this day, under this clear sky, was sparkling. Then it's into a stand of dwarf pines and in a short distance they drop away, leaving only you, rocks, and sky.
The views were exceptional, and we took several breaks to enjoy them. But the rests were short because it was quite cool above treeline, maybe somewhere in the forties with a moderate wind. At 10:10 we arrived at the summit. Only two women, apparently volunteers for the AMC and Park Service, joined us. One was so kind as to take our picture using the Presidentials as a backdrop. Becasue it was somewhat cold, we ate quickly a nd rested briefly, setting off down the Ridge at 10:35.
The conditions on the Ridge were perfect. We, however, were the only group moving in that direction. Hoards of people, having just ascended Falling Water, were making the traverse in the opposite direction, the seemingly more popular direction to take. We trudged on, arriving at the interesection of Falling Waters at 11:28. From there it was a relativley quick ascent down Falling Water, a surprisingly steep and rough path. Our quickness was impeded only by the hoards of groups heading up. Much of the descent was interrupted by short periods of waiting as lines of people ascended past us. Near the bottom, after having crossed for the last time that river, I spotted a huuuuge moose crossing the path and galloping quickly into the woods.
At 1:10 we arrived back at the car. We stripped off our boots, chugged some water, ate some food, and then hopped on 93 South for the trip back home. On the way, we stopped for the obligatory three beers and a burger. Today, I can say, was one of the finest hikes I have done. Now we go to hoist some more beers.
Cheers.
