Trip Report: Lincoln and Lafayette 8-16-95
Map of Franconia ridge. Note, the route marked is not quite that which we hiked.. Trail Map
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Morning Sun on the Falling Water Trail in Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains. -- photo: Charles Danforth <--- 244kb GIF image |
August 16, 1995 Franconia Notch (east rim), NH A long day hike with Molly Jacobs. We started up the Fallingwater trail (see photo above), a gorgeous steep trail past many waterfalls and lovely grottos. About .3 miles shy of the summit of Little Haystack, a side trail leads off to the "Shining Rock" which is well worth the trip especially in the morning. Words fail to do it justice, but it is a huge slab of bedrock, quite steep covered with an even sheen of water. 
From the summit of Little Haystack, the ridge runs north along an impressive knife-edge to the summit of Lincoln past some really nifty hanging rocks and spires. From Lincoln, the knife edge dulls a bit and drops down into a swale rising again to the 5260' peak of Mt. Lafayette, a mighty mountain with an incredible view in all directions. Descending westward the trail passes Greenleaf Hut, run by the AMC. We opted to take the trail north from the hut over the Eagle Cliffs but were disappointing in their lack of view.Trail Description: This is a region with many trails and some absolutely breathtaking scenery. In fact, if it wasn't for the nearby Presidential Range, these mountains would be the premier showpeices of the White Mountains. Many hikes are possible throught the area ranging from short (5 mile) day hikes and longer (10 mile) day hikes through multi-day treks (50 miles). Several peaks are over 5000' and most are above tree-line. Be prepared for extreme weather; I encountered a blinding snow storm on Memorial Day.
Directions: Several trailheads can be found in the region servicing the Canon area (west side of the notch) and the western Pemigewasset region (east side of the notch). Since I93 goes through Franconia Notch, they are well-marked and popular trails. The Old Man of the Mountain viewing spot is a good place to leave cars although Lafayette Camground has better trail access. The Flume is another good parking spot for some of the southern trails. From the north or south, take I93 to Franconia Notch State Park. Be careful of the 45 mph speed limit within the park which is strictly enforced.
Info: For local event and trail information contact the USFS Pemigewasset Ranger Station, Plymouth, (603)536-1310
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