NH4K ... Lafayette, Liberty, Lincoln, and Flume (ADVANCED)
Details
Event Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932
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Read the entire description before you RSVP and answer all of the questions that are part of the process. Failure to answer them will result in your removal from this event.
Answers DO NOT carry over from one event to another so you must answer them for EACH EVENT. Also, questions might not show up if you RSVP from a phone or tablet so if you don't see them you will need to use a computer.
If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself and others at risk. Consider this before you RSVP.
=== What We're Doing ===
The plan is to climb four of the 4,000 foot peaks in New Hampshire - Lafayette, Lincoln, Liberty, and Flume. We will use Old Bridle Path to reach Lafayette and the ridge (the AMC Greenleaf Hut is closed). From Lafayette, we will travel south along the Franconia Ridge Trail to climb the three remaining peaks before turning around at Flume to retrace our steps back to Liberty Springs Trail, which we will use to return to the trailhead.
Use these links to get information about the summits that we'll climb and the trails that we'll use to get there:
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/6-Mt-Lafayette-5260--7-Mt-Lincoln-5089
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/18-Mt-Liberty-4459--25-Mt-Flume-4328
If you are interested in participating in this event sign up for the waiting list and I will add people that (1) answer all of the questions that are part of the RSVP process and (2) have done similar hikes within the past three months. The maximum group size for this trip will be 15 people.
Guests are not permitted.
Dogs are not permitted.
=== Trip Summary ===
We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you.
On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) trip we will hike about 14.0 miles and climb about 5,600 feet. It should take an average hiker about 8 hours 45 minutes to complete this trip. This event is considered to be ADVANCED because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain.
Dangerous weather conditions will cancel this event - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants. Use this link for the current weather forecast:
=== What to Bring ===
Don't wear ANY cotton - this includes your socks and underwear. You will need winter hiking boots - if you wear them in the summer they aren't designed for winter use (e.g. insulation). You will need snow shoes. All snowshoes aren't the same - some are designed for steep terrain with potentially deep snow and others aren't. These are the acceptable brands and models:
• Tubbs Flex ALP, Flex VRT, Flex TRK, or Mountaineers.
• MSR Lightening, Revo, or Evo.
• TSL Symbioz Elite or Expert.
• Atlas Aspect, Endeavor, or Series 10/11/12.
You will also need traction - you will want to bring regular crampons for above treeline travel. You can bring Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons as a back-up.
The days colder so put the hydration bladder away and switch to insulated water bottles. Bring enough food to keep your energy level high - you will burn more calories hiking in the winter. The days are shorter so be sure to have a headlamp with a spare set of batteries (preferably lithium since they work better in the cold). Also bring goggles in case it gets windy.
Use this link for a list of items needed for most winter day hikes:
• http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf (http://files.meetup.com/492954/Three_Season_Dayhike_gear_list.pdf)
Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test and adjust it prior to this trip.
=== Directions ===
We will meet in the parking lot for the Whitehouse Trail, which is on the east side of Route 3 a few hundred yards north of the Flume Visitors Center. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is 134 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours and 7 minutes to drive there. Since this is where we will end our hike we will leave a few cars here and drive to where we will start the hike.
While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with others who may also be looking to share a ride. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses (gas and tolls).
=== Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer ===
As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hike Safe Responsibility Code (http://www.hikesafe.com/); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.