Mount Lafayette via Skookumchuck Trail
Details
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 6 - Strenuous
Trip Leader(s): Judith Watson, Sau-Mei Leung
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001DTzh
Register By: 10/21/2026
Audience: Everyone
Description: Hiking Mount Lafayette via the Skookumchuck Trailhead offers a rugged, serene, and far less crowded alternative to the popular Franconia Notch loops. The trail leads to the north ridge of Mt. Lafayette. Once we merge onto the Garfield Ridge Trail to the 5,260-foot summit of Lafayette, we are treated with jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Franconia Range, Mount Lincoln, and the distant Presidential peaks. This strenuous out-and-back trek is 10.2 miles round trip with 3,554 feet of elevation gain. We will be above tree line and exposed to the elements.
Physical Fitness Expectations: participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable with scrambles, slabs, rocky terrain/unsure footing, and have experience hiking above the tree line and be comfortable hiking on exposed above-tree-line terrain. To participate in this hike, you should have a recent hike of a similar distance and elevation gain in similar terrain. The pace will be moderate (about 1.5mph). We plan to finish the hike in ~ 8 -9 hours. All applicants not familiar to the leaders will be phone screened.
Gear Requirements: All participants should prepare themselves for potentially shifting weather conditions by adhering to the recommended 3-season day gear (link below). Participants should have sturdy hiking footwear and lightweight, moisture-wicking layers. You should also bring water (at least 2 L), food, sun and bug protection, wind/rain-proof gear (top and bottom), with additional warm layers depending on the weather, and hiking poles if you usually use them (https://hb.amcboston.org/images/docs/Gear_lists/Spring_Dayhike_gear_list.pdf).
Meeting time and location will be emailed to participiants about 2 days prior to the hike. As with all AMC hikes, we will hike as a group.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!