Hiking in Mount Lafayette, New Hampshire: trails, map and practical info

Description

The Mount Lafayette loop via Falling Waters and Old Bridle Path ranks among New England's most spectacular day hikes, combining three 4,000-foot summits with the famous knife-edge traverse of Franconia Ridge. This 12.87-kilometer loop gains 1,600 meters of elevation over 6 to 8 hours, making it a very hard but incredibly rewarding challenge that's best tackled from April through October.

Mount Lafayette stands as the highest peak outside New Hampshire's Presidential Range at 5,242 feet, and the fourth most prominent peak in New England according to the New England Fifty Finest List. The loop takes you over three peaks—Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette—with the highlight being the exposed 2-mile ridge walk that connects them. On clear days, you'll have stunning views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range to the east, and you can even spot peaks in the Adirondacks.

Getting There and Parking

The trailhead is located right off I-93 at the southern end of Franconia Notch State Park. Take exit 34B for Lafayette Place Campground Trail Head Parking. Parking costs $3 per day, but spaces are limited and the trail gets busy on weekends and holidays, so arrive early. If the main lot is full, you can park on either side of I-93 since there's a foot tunnel connecting both sides, or across the highway at Lafayette Campground. Restrooms are located right after the trailhead.

The Falling Waters Trail Ascent

Most hikers start with the Falling Waters Trail, which climbs fairly quickly and rewards you with several beautiful waterfalls along the way. This trail is part of the Appalachian Trail and provides the more direct but steeper route to the ridge. The path is quite steep and rocky, but the waterfalls and relatively fast elevation gain make it rewarding. After 3 miles of steady climbing, you'll break out of the treeline and reach the summit of Little Haystack Mountain, where the real adventure begins.

Franconia Ridge Traverse

From Little Haystack, turn left onto the Franconia Ridge Trail for one of the most spectacular ridge walks in the Northeast. This exposed 2-mile knife-edge traverse connects Little Haystack to Mount Lincoln (0.7 miles) and then to Mount Lafayette (another 1.3 miles). The ridge is completely above treeline, offering 360-degree views but also full exposure to weather. Check conditions carefully before committing to this section—75 mph winds and whiteout conditions can turn this beautiful walk into a dangerous situation, as evidenced by past accidents on the ridge.

The traverse involves some strenuous and nerve-wracking hiking, especially in poor weather. You'll gain and lose elevation as you cross each summit, with Mount Lincoln marking the midpoint of the ridge walk. The rocky terrain can be challenging, particularly when wet or icy.

Mount Lafayette Summit

After climbing 3,800 feet over approximately 5 miles, you'll reach Mount Lafayette's summit, the highest point of the day and the sixth highest peak on New Hampshire's 4,000-footer list. On clear days, the views are wonderful in all directions. If weather turns bad or winds pick up, you can take shelter behind the old stone walls on the west side of the summit before beginning your descent.

Descent via Old Bridle Path

The return route follows the Old Bridle Path, which provides a more gradual descent and different scenery. About a mile down from Lafayette's summit, you'll reach the AMC Greenleaf Hut and Eagle Lake. This hut is notably clean and well-maintained compared to other AT huts in New Hampshire, and offers water, restrooms, and a place to rest. The first mile of the Bridle Path from the hut is relatively easy with little elevation change, but after that, you'll descend through tree-covered terrain that becomes increasingly steep and rocky, which can be stressful on the knees.

What to Bring

This is a long and strenuous hike requiring plenty of preparation. Bring ample food and water—some hikers carry a gallon plus additional bottles for the full loop. Pack a warm top layer as temperatures drop significantly on the exposed ridge, even in summer. The rocky terrain is tough on feet, so sturdy hiking boots are essential. If bringing dogs, consider paw protection like wax or booties since the rocks can be hard on their pads.

Family Considerations

While challenging, this hike has been completed by families with young children using hiking carriers. Some hikers have successfully brought 3 and 6-year-olds, though this requires careful planning and strong adults willing to carry extra weight. The rocky terrain and exposure make this unsuitable for inexperienced young hikers walking on their own.

Alternative Routes

Besides the popular Falling Waters/Old Bridle Path loop, alternative approaches include the Skookumchuck Trail and Walker Brook Ravine. Some hikers prefer ascending via the Old Bridle Path and descending Falling Waters to tackle the steeper sections while fresh, though the standard loop direction is more common.

Seasonal Considerations

While this peak can be climbed year-round, winter conditions require mountaineering experience and equipment. The exposed ridge becomes particularly dangerous in winter weather. Summer months see heavy crowds, especially weekends and holidays. Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, though weather can change rapidly any time of year.

Camping Options

For those wanting to extend the adventure, several camping options exist in the area. The AMC runs Liberty Springs Tentsite to the south and Garfield Ridge Tentsite to the north, both offering wooden tent platforms, springs, and composting toilets for a fee. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly on summer weekends. The Greenleaf Hut area is also popular for winter camping when the hut itself is closed. Dogs are welcome on all trails in this area.