| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Lafayette, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
plenty on this Wednesday. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
none |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
there are some frozen branches hanging over the trail that are you nearly have to crawl under (if you're tallish) to avoid snagging your pack. And other branches that stick into the corridor that want to poke your eyes out. it was actually kind of slow going thru the trees right before and after the hut. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
didn't see any today |
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 | Bugs: |
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|
 | Lost and Found: |
nada |
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|
 | Comments: |
What's the big deal about the Franconia Ridge???? I mean, on a warmish sunny winter day with low winds and snow-frosted trees against bluebird skies...it was AWESOME! I estimate about 15-20 people took advantage of this day to spend time 5000 feet above sea level. Unfortunately, most that I encountered were NOT wearing snowshoes. A couple from RI ;) opted to spike the loop and carry their snowshoe the whole way. Before the hut, the trail is 'mostly' consolidated though the barebooters are doing their level best to rototill the trail. When I got to the hut, I was disappointed to find it completely boarded up and looking abandoned *joke* and I had it all to myself for a quick snack before continuing on to Lafayette. Along the way, I ran into a couple who turned back before summiting, because I think they were concerned about not being able to see the summit thru the light misty cloud fog. I hope they didn't look back when they got to the hut because it was completely clear, by the time I got up there. Once above tree line, the trail is bony in places. No ice, just thin snow cover. On top, full sun, light winds and only one other fellow, who left right after I got there. My original plan was to traverse and descend FW, and I had plenty of time to do it, but I don't think I would've been very happy about it. I was nearly out of gas, by the time I got to Lafayette. Descending, the snow was softening up and getting sticky in the sun. IMO, the trough felt narrow (barebooters), because I stepped on my snowshoes several times and there were a couple steep spots that were tricky putting one foot in front of the other. For the love of Gaia, please wear snowshoes and widen the trail some. Otherwise, come April, walking the monorail will be like walking a tightrope. that is all. |
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 | Name: |
hnd |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-02-13 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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