Not So Urban Athletics: Hike New Hampshire's Franconia Ridge

Looking for an epic mountain escape from the city? Want to trade honking horns for waterfalls, and group texts for a group trek? Join us for a 4-day hiking and camping adventure to Franconia Ridge, a.k.a. the most photogenic chunk of rock in the Northeast.

We’ll drive up from NYC, pitch some tents (or stay in a cabin), conquer a legendary ridge, and make friends with chipmunks (and each other). Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just “vaguely outdoorsy with enthusiasm,” you’re welcome here—as long as you’re down to get your boots dirty and maybe carry someone else’s snacks.

Itinerary...

📍 Day 1 – Road trip
We’ll roll out of NYC early (yes, there will be a bagel stop) and drive ~6 hours to Franconia Notch. After setting up camp at Maple Haven Campground, We're probably gonna get there later than planned so it’ll be dinner in town along with a drink or three. We'll then head back to the campground, gather around the campfire, tell ghost stories, and realize someone forgot to bring marshmallows.

🥾 Day 2 – Franconia Ridge: The main event
Time to earn those trail mix calories. We’ll tackle the Franconia Ridge Loop, a glorious ~8.6-mile hike with jaw-dropping views and some solid quad-burning fun (4,000 feet of elevation gain, woo!). We’ll go up via Old Bridle Path, cross the ridge over Mount Lafayette, Lincoln, and Little Haystack, and come down the Falling Waters Trail, which, spoiler alert, has a lot of falling water. You’ll feel like a beast by the end of it.

🌲 Day 3 – Chill day to explore or float
After surviving the ridge (and probably earning a nickname), we’ll take it easy. You can walk the Flume Gorge, ride the Cannon Mountain tram for lazy summit views, or do a short hike like Mount Pemigewasset—great view, minimal suffering.

🚙 Day 4 – Pack up & escape the forest with newfound confidence
We’ll pack up camp, sip some campground coffee, and head back to NYC with memories, photos, and maybe a pinecone or two in your bag. Optional brunch stop in a New England town to ease the transition back to civilization.

The important stuff...

• Drive time: ~5.5–6 hours from NYC
• Camping: Well be staying 3 nights at Maple Haven Campground (yes, there's a bathroom…and showers. There’s even wi-fi. We're not luddites.) You'll need to book your own campsite HERE; sharing sites is recommended.
• Main hike difficulty: CHALLENGING—but totally doable if you’ve climbed stairs and survived. Expect an 8 hour hike, about 9 miles of distance, and 4,000 feet of climbing. Depending on the weather the day of the hike may change.
• Gear needed: Tent, cold weather sleeping bag, hiking boots, rain gear, good vibes. The usual camping stuff. It'll be early fall in northern New England, expect temps in the high 50s during the day and in the high 30s at night.

Don't miss this fine print...

• This is a group trip, not a guided tour—everyone pitches in and brings their best trail spirit (and snacks). Read this waiver of liability, then read it again.
• You should be reasonably fit and okay with uphill hiking, wildlife encounters, and dirt under your nails.
• We’ll try to assemble carpools—drivers will be worshipped, non-drivers may have to sing car karaoke as payment.