So towards the end of last year my better half and I decided that we wanted to do all the 4,000 footers in NH and so far this year we’ve been off to a great start. This past weekend we did what is so far my favorite hike yet. Its about a 9 mile loop but you summit Little Haystack at 4,800 feet then follow the ridge to Mount Lincoln at 5,089 feet and continue up the ridge, which is just unreal to the summit of Lafayette at 5,260 feet.
We chose to go up via the Falling Waters Trail which if you have a dog I would highly recommend going this route as there is plenty of water for the pooch. The waterfalls and scenery along this section were just amazing. My pictures below do not do any part of the hike justice.
Once you make it on top of Little Haystack, you’re technically on Franconia Ridge Trail. From here you really feel like you are on top of the world. The views are unreal and along the ridge the drop offs are not for the weak stomachs!
Making it to the top of Lafayette was a great feeling but then you can see how far you need to travel back and it can be a bit overwhelming. We took Old Bridle Path back and in the picture below (keeping left) the trail basically follows the ridge all the way down!
Here’s a slideshow of our trip. If you have ever hiked this trail, please feel free to share your experience in the comments below!
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I think I’ve decided that this loop will be the last 4,000 footer I do, solely based on its epic scale and the fact that nearly everyone who does it says it has the best views in NH. Good for you for attacking it so early! Intensity!