Franconia Ridge Loop

The route begins and ends at the Old Bridle Path Trailhead off I-93 in Franconia Notch State Park. From the trailhead, take the Old Bridle Path north. The trail junctions with the Falling Water Trail at 0.1 miles - keep left. Hike steadily through forest to the AMC Greenleaf Hut at 2.6 miles, where potable water is available. Bear right onto the Greenleaf Trail for the final push to the summit of Mount Lafayette at 5,249'. The route intersects with Franconia Ridge Trail around 3.6 miles. Head south on the Franconia Ridge Trail. The ridge is fully exposed above timberline for approximately 1.7 miles, traversing North Lafayette, Mount Lincoln at 5,089', and Little Haystack Mountain at 4,724'. Stay on the marked trail above timberline — the alpine zone is easily damaged by off-trail travel. From Little Haystack Mountain, around 5.2 miles, bear right onto the Falling Waters Trail for the descent. The trail passes Cloudland Falls, Swiftwater Falls, and Stairs Falls before returning to the trailhead. The descent is steep and rocky and navigates differently in the wet — allow additional time and care. Afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly above timberline in summer.