It was nine degrees in the Lafayette Place parking lot and the car was getting blasted by wind. At a little past seven on a February morning, I had a good mind to retreat home to the warmth of my down comforter. Fortunately, common sense was in short supply.
In warmer months the Mt. Lafayette loop, an 8.8 mile round trek, is quite possibly the most popular hike in New England. In addition to 5,261-foot Mt. Lafayette, the route also encompasses 5,089-foot Mt. Lincoln and 4,761-foot Little Haystack Mountain via the Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, Greenleaf and Old Bridle Path trails. The winter season also draws a good amount of foot traffic; however, it’s worth noting that with a significant portion of the loop above treeline and fully exposed to the elements, this isn’t a hike for the inexperienced. Or for that matter, the underdressed.
While most of New Hampshire suffered from snow anemia this winter, Franconia Notch appeared to be hoarding. Not convinced by the meaty snowbanks in the parking lot, I left my snowshoes in the car. This was a mistake. The trail was well packed for a good portion of the journey, but in the higher elevation the wind drifts were aplenty. The irony here being that I’d previously carried the snowshoes on my back hiking Mt. Adams and Mt. Washington this winter. Go figure.
Given the strong winds, I decided to ascend Mt. Lafayette via the Old Bridle Path in the hope this would put the gusts at my back on Franconia Ridge. In this regard, I chose wisely. Fortunately the air temperature rose into the mid twenties as the morning wore on; however, the winds didn’t subside. Quite the opposite, in fact. At one point the insulated tube from my Camelbak froze solid, threatening a premature end to the hike. This problem was solved by stuffing the reservoir into my shirt instead of running it from the pack.
A strong sideways wind made for a brutal trek from the Greenleaf Hut to the Lafayette summit. When I reached the top, a couple of hikers from Vermont that I’d met outside the hut were waiting for me to take the 1.6-mile jaunt across Franconia Ridge with them. With the heavy winds nearly knocking me off my feet in places, even with crampons on, I was grateful for this courtesy. When I thanked them, one of them shrugged it off and said, “If you fall up here, it’s not like we could do anything for you.” True, but at least someone would have known.
What really surprised me were the people we saw on the ridge who weren’t prepared. This isn’t exactly a spur-of-the-moment hike, and yet a couple of hikers were wearing jeans. They didn’t have any protection for their beat-red faces, either, and they were hiking into the wind. Hopefully they didn’t get frost bite, but I’d be shocked if this were the case. By comparison, they must have thought I was dressed for a moon landing.
A truly spectacular hike in all seasons, the one downfall to the Lafayette loop in the winter is the elements are often too harsh to really enjoy the landscape. It also didn’t help that my goggles kept freezing. What little I did see, though, was worth the effort. The hike down was a bonus reward. Once back under treeline the crampons came off and I had a blast boot-skiing the Falling Waters Trail.
The view of Cannon Mountain from the Old Bridle Path on Mt. Lafayette.
Did I mention it was cold?
A cloud sweeps over the summit of Mt. Lafayette. In the foreground the Greenleaf Hut is boarded up for the winter.
Perfect timing. The cloud cover was clearing out just as I was starting the hike from the Greenleaf Hut to the Lafayette summit.
The final approach to the summit of Mt. Lafayette.
A quick photo opp on the summit of Mt. Lafayette, elevation 5,261 feet. Emphasis on quick. If I look fatter than normal, it’s the Camelbak stuffed under my shirt. Some of it, anyway. Mt. Washington is visible in the background.
There was more snow on the Franconia Ridge Trail than I expected. The view here is of Mt. Lafayette as seen from Mt. Lincoln.
Hikers on the Franconia Ridge Trail between Mt. Lincoln and Little Haystack Mountain. The trail continues on to Mt. Liberty and Mt. Flume in the background.
Great write up, thanks for sharing. Are you carrying an SLR on these adventures?
No, just a simple point and shoot. Too nervous I’d bust an SLR. Thanks for perusing the site!
Im going on this hike the first weekend in August and was trying to make it a weekend one and do some camping can I camp anywhere up there I mean as long as im a 1/4 mile off the trail?
Corey, the Forest Service monitors the ridge trail and strongly encourages people to stay on trail to protect the alpine vegetation. Given the high volume of hikers/backpackers that this area gets, this is most definitely for the best. There are designated camp sites on Mt. Garfield and Mt. Liberty that you probably want to plan/shoot for. Lafayette is almost all open above the Greenleaf Hut, rocky and exposed to the elements, so this mountain isn’t really conducive to stealth camping.
Thank you very much that was helpful
Thanks for the detailed write-up, it got me really excited for my own winter adventures this summer. I plan on doing Mt. Lafayette and a few other small New England Peaks this winter. Will be my first “mountaineering”/”snow climbing”, so I was wondering if I could run a few questions by you? Stuff like what gear and clothing you recommend? Do I need an alpine back or will a 20L BD Hollowpoint be fine? Do I NEED snowshoes, or will crampons suffice? And then clothing is the big one for me.. Any advice would be really appreciated…
Thank you, this was super helpful. This was all very helpful info that would have taken me a dozen forums to compile. Only follow up question I have is if you could recommend any entry-level hikes before trying to tackle Lafayette? I’m looking to hike up some summits in the Northeast, but like you said I might want some hikes a little easier than Lafayette…
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I think this website has very good composed subject material posts.
northeasthikes.com
northeasthikes.com
I will right away clutch your rss as I can not to find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me recognize in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Dead pent content material, Really enjoyed reading through.
I conceive you have remarked some very interesting points, appreciate it for the post.
It’s exhausting to search out educated folks on this subject, however you sound like you understand what you’re talking about! Thanks
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
Real superb information can be found on web blog.
Eddy Kobayashi
You have brought up a very good points, regards for the post.
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something. I feel that you just can do with some to drive the message house a little bit, however other than that, this is wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
Greetings! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. With thanks!
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have learn this put up and if I could I wish to suggest you few fascinating things or suggestions. Maybe you could write subsequent articles referring to this article. I wish to read more issues approximately it!
I’ve recently started a web site, the info you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The site style is ideal, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Well I really liked reading it. This information provided by you is very effective for good planning.
What i don’t realize is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You realize thus significantly relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!
I got what you mean , thanks for putting up.Woh I am delighted to find this website through google. “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” by Seneca.
I genuinely enjoy reading on this web site, it contains good articles.
I have not checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.
I’ll right away grab your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Hi there are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
I just couldn’t depart your website prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check up on new posts
I love the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great articles.
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks
Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect site.
This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Hey there, You’ve performed an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and individually suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this website.
The Pink Salt Trick is a minimalist but effective morning routine: Just drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with a pinch of Himalayan pink salt as soon as you wake up.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
I?¦ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i am happy to show that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most no doubt will make certain to don?¦t disregard this site and give it a glance on a constant basis.
Simply wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your submit is simply spectacular and i could think you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well along with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to stay up to date with approaching post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the gratifying work.
magnificent put up, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists of this sector do not understand this. You must proceed your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta tell thankyou for the post on this special one : D.
Hi there, You’ve performed a great job. I will definitely digg it and individually suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
You really make it appear so easy with your presentation however I find this matter to be actually something that I feel I might by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely extensive for me. I am taking a look ahead for your next post, I will attempt to get the cling of it!
I believe this website has got very fantastic pent content material content.
I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i’m happy to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to don’t forget this website and give it a glance on a constant basis.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
What i don’t understood is actually how you’re not really much more smartly-favored than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You understand thus significantly in relation to this subject, produced me personally believe it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women are not fascinated except it is something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs great. Always take care of it up!
It¦s actually a great and helpful piece of info. I¦m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Perfectly pent subject material, Really enjoyed reading.
I really like your writing style, good information, thankyou for putting up : D.
I will immediately seize your rss feed as I can not in finding your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me understand so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
I definitely wanted to make a brief note in order to thank you for all of the amazing guidelines you are giving out on this website. My time-consuming internet research has finally been rewarded with extremely good points to talk about with my visitors. I would suppose that most of us readers actually are undeniably fortunate to be in a very good community with very many perfect professionals with great guidelines. I feel pretty blessed to have come across your entire webpage and look forward to some more excellent moments reading here. Thank you again for all the details.
Terrific work! This is the kind of info that should be shared across the web. Shame on the seek engines for no longer positioning this submit higher! Come on over and seek advice from my site . Thanks =)
It?¦s actually a great and useful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
I cherished up to you’ll receive performed proper here. The caricature is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you would like be handing over the following. unwell without a doubt come more formerly again as precisely the similar nearly very frequently within case you shield this increase.
Real good info can be found on website. “We should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of opinions that we loathe.” by Oliver Wendell Holmes.
You are my intake, I possess few blogs and rarely run out from brand :). “Fiat justitia et pereat mundus.Let justice be done, though the world perish.” by Ferdinand I.
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this info. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is really irritating. A good web site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web-site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart. “The only way most people recognize their limits is by trespassing on them.” by Tom Morris.
Absolutely written written content, Really enjoyed looking through.
An impressive share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit of evaluation on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If possible, as you become experience, would you mind updating your weblog with extra particulars? It is highly useful for me. Large thumb up for this weblog put up!
It is actually a nice and useful piece of information. I¦m glad that you just shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Only wanna remark that you have a very nice site, I enjoy the pattern it actually stands out.
Hey very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to search out a lot of helpful information here in the submit, we need work out more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Lovely website! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am bookmarking your feeds also.
Great amazing issues here. I am very glad to peer your post. Thanks a lot and i am having a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Hello, you used to write fantastic, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again!
I haven?¦t checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I truly prize your work, Great post.
Regards for helping out, fantastic info .
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for sharing with us, I believe this website truly stands out : D.
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
I was reading through some of your articles on this internet site and I conceive this web site is really informative ! Keep posting.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Thank you for helping out, great info. “Whoever obeys the gods, to him they particularly listen.” by Homer.
99OK được biết đến như một trong những nhà cái uy tín và chuyên nghiệp nhất kể từ khi ra mắt năm 2020. Hơn 5 năm không ngừng phát triển, nền tảng đã tạo dựng vị thế vững chắc trong lĩnh vực giải trí trực tuyến. Người chơi khi tham gia sẽ được trải nghiệm hệ thống trò chơi đa dạng, công nghệ tiên tiến và dịch vụ chăm sóc tận tâm. Với môi trường chơi an toàn, cơ hội trúng thưởng hấp dẫn, 99OK chính là lựa chọn hoàn hảo cho hành trình chinh phục thế giới game online.
Throughout the awesome design of things you actually secure an A just for effort and hard work. Where exactly you actually lost me personally ended up being in your facts. As people say, the devil is in the details… And that couldn’t be more accurate here. Having said that, let me tell you just what did deliver the results. Your authoring can be pretty powerful and that is probably the reason why I am taking an effort in order to comment. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Second, whilst I can easily see the jumps in reasoning you make, I am not really confident of how you appear to connect the points that produce the conclusion. For right now I will, no doubt yield to your position however trust in the future you link your dots much better.