Franconia Ridge Loop

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 6 - Strenuous
Trip Leader(s): Terry Rice, Rachel Leaderach
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001FCTJ
Register By: 9/25/2026
Audience: Adults

Description: The iconic Franconia Ridge Loop is a demanding and breathtaking day hike in Franconia Ridge State Park, NH. Expect ridge-line views, waterfalls, magnificent outlooks, a steep and rough ascent, fragile alpine habitat, cool and variable temperatures, and a group of enthusiastic fellow hikers! This will be a loop traversing the ridge and hitting Little Haystack Mountain (4,715 ft), Mount Lincoln (5,089 ft), and Mount Lafayette (5,249 ft) with a total accumulation of approximately 9 miles and 3,800 ft elevation. The goal is to hike at a moderately fast pace with quick, infrequent breaks and a slightly longer lunch break at one of the peaks (weather permitting).
Participants must have recent hiking experience on similarly-strenuous peaks in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, or New York, plus a regular, robust cardio exercise regimen and appropriate 3-season hiking gear. After registering for the hike, one of the leaders will contact you to schedule a time to talk on the phone for ~15 minutes to discuss your recent hiking experience, fitness regimen, and gear to ensure the hike is a suitable fit.
To address unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather, unacceptable trail conditions or excessive crowding, the planned trip destination, activity and/or meeting place and time may be modified. In that event, participants may elect to join in that activity or opt out. We will hold Sunday, September 27 as a backup date for this hike if weather conditions prohibit us from hiking on September 26.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!