>>Valley Patriot>> |
Here is your assignment: Hike approximately 9 miles, gain about 3460 feet in altitude, scale three over-5000 foot peaks and one 4760 foot peak, and do it all in about 8 hours. This spectacular adventure is accomplished by following the Franconia Ridge Loop that starts and ends at the “Trailhead” parking lot, which is just across the Franconia Parkway from the Lafayette Campground. The
complete hike consists of following all — or
portions of — four trails: The first segment of the hike on Old Bridle Path is just a walk in the woods. It starts out with gentle inclines that gradually escalate, but nothing very difficult. After about 45 minutes you are rewarded with your first views of Little Haystack (Point A). From this spot, until late in the day when you begin your final descent from Little Haystack, you will be constantly delighted with scenic views. The
trail then continues its ascent along a ridgeline towards
the Greenleaf Hut. The first views These views are nice, but in another 15 to 20 minutes you will break out into a level area (near Point B) with fantastic views of the peaks you are about to climb: Mount Lafayette, Mt. Truman, Mt. Lincoln, and Little Haystack – all connected by the Franconia Ridge Trail. Don’t let it scare you! Just take it one step at a time. Before you leave this area, look to your left and you will see a ridgeline that goes upward in a series of humps. That is what you are going to climb next. They are affectionately named “The Agonies,” but that is just to scare off timid couch potatoes. As you go up The Agonies – there are three of them – enjoy the views and start thinking about the great snack you are going to enjoy at the Greenleaf Hut. This segment of the trail is the steepest portion of the day’s climb and, as you will see, there is nothing dangerous … it merely requires a willingness to expend some excess calories. Just
when you think the “agonies” won’t end, Are you ready? It is time to go for the summit! I know that sounds like what those about to climb the final leg of Mount Everest or K2 say … but, hey, this is probably the closest most of us will get to that experience.
When you reach the summit of Mt. Lafayette (5240 feet), you will, for the first time, be able to see the great Pemigewasset wilderness. I could not make out any features that looked manmade. The view must be the same as that seen by the Indians before Europeans ever set foot in North America. If you look to the south, you will see the Franconia Ridge Trail that you are about to experience. The ridge trail (about 1.8 miles) must be one of the most enjoyable walks in New England. I have a serious fear of heights and there is little on this trail to be concerned about; at least in good summer weather. For the most part, this hike is just a great time to marvel at the sights. The ridge trail will take you from Lafayette to Mt Truman (5000+ feet) to Mt. Lincoln (5089 feet) to Little Haystack (4760 feet). We arrived at Little Haystack after a very leisurely 90-minute hike along the ridge. Where else can you experience the summits of four mountain peaks within 90 minutes? With
reluctance, you will finally decide to begin your descent
along the Falling Waters Trail. Initially Who can make this hike? Anyone who is generally active, exercises regularly, or just feels reasonably energetic. This hike will fix the latter condition! If you are unsure, don’t be concerned. Try the hike and just assess your condition as you go. Turn back if you think you have gone far enough. There is no technical hiking/climbing required … it just takes effort. Hikers range in age from around 10 to 80. Oh, ask your doctor … my lawyer made me say that. What should you bring? Keep the total weight low but do not skimp on liquids (32-48 ounces per hiker). Include some high calorie snacks and something special to eat at the summit. Also include a dry shirt to change into and something warm that will repel water in case of unexpected bad weather. Wear good hiking shoes/boots. Bring a hat, sun block, bandages, etc. I brought a snakebite kit, but that was just to scare my hiking companion! Final advice: Start early, go on a really good-weather day and, if you are inexperienced, go with a companion. Dr. Ormsby is a member of the North Andover School Committee. He is a graduate of Cornell and has a doctorate from MIT. If you have any questions or comments, you can contact Dr. Ormsby via email: ccormsby@comcast.net. *Dr. Ormsby is a member of the North Andover School Committee. He is a graduate of Cornell and has a doctorate from MIT. If you have any questions or comments, you can contact Dr. Ormsby via email: ccormsby@comcast.net *Send your questions
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The purpose of freedom is to enjoy
it … not just talk about it. In that spirit, I
invite you to consider an amazing adventure that is
highly accessible and one that you will never forget. It
will cost you a day of your time, about 3 ½ hours of
driving (round trip), and the willingness to expend some
physical effort. Your reward will be to experience some
of New England’s most incredible views and to feel a
sense of accomplishment that sitting at home will never
produce. 
1. Old Bridle Path Trail (2.9
miles to the Greenleaf Hut) 
along this portion of the trail are
across the Franconia Parkway towards the western cliffs
of Franconia Notch. 
mercifully, they do (2 hr. 15
min.). Through the trees you see the roof of the AMC hut
and you breath a well-earned sigh of relief. Your prayers
are answered; it is time to take a break. The AMC hut has
“facilities,” water, and, for a small fee, some
tasty snacks. In addition to taking a break and a few
refreshments, this is a good time to trade in that sweaty
T-shirt for a nice dry replacement. This is important
because a wet shirt will put you at risk of getting a
chill in the cooler temperatures and stronger winds that
invariably exist at the higher altitudes above tree line.
Also, before you leave the hut, refill your water
containers … this is the last water before you
encounter streams near the end of your day’s hike. 
After a brief dip, the trail rises
through the trees until you finally break out above the
tree line. The hike to the summit is about 1 mile but
seems like at least 2 or 3 miles. It is just a hike up a
gravel path marked with cairns - piles of rocks used as
trail markers. We took about 60 to 70 minutes to reach
the summit from the hut. The views from above the tree
line are — well, at this point, I have run out of
superlatives. 
the descent is rather steep (just
take your time … nothing dangerous). You will be
rewarded near the bottom with several beautiful
waterfalls. We completed the descent in a little over 2
hours for a total time on the trail of about 8 hours.
Caution: Do not rush the descent. Your legs will be tired
from the day’s hiking and you are more likely to
trip/fall or twist an ankle here that anywhere else.