Mount Lafayette - 5,260'
Hike Statistics
Total Distance: 9.0 miles (with Mount Lincoln)
Elevation Gain: 3,650 feet
Hiking Time: 7 hours, 40 minutes
Difficulty: Difficult
Season: Summer
Hiking this peak in winter? Click here!
Hike date: 10/05/2019
Description: Mount Lafayette is the tallest mountain in the Franconia Ridge and offers a stunning view of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area. The Franconia Ridge Trail is one of the most popular trails in the White Mountains, so you can always expect lots of people if the weather is nice. Using the route below, you’ll have the opportunity to see numerous waterfalls, spend an extended amount of time above treeline surrounded by amazing views, visit the Greenleaf Hut, visit Shining Rock, and summit Mount Lincoln.
Trails Used: Ascend via Falling Waters Trail to Franconia Ridge Trail and descend via Greenleaf Trail and Old Bridle Path.
Trail Summary: This is one of the most famous hikes in New England, and rightfully so! The views from the top of the ridge are absolutely breathtaking. The trailhead is right off the highway, so it’s very easy to get to. Be warned: in the summertime, there are always flocks of people here! To beat the crowds and enjoy some solitude, try to get an early start! We started our hike around 7:00 AM and began our ascent up the Falling Waters Trail. This is a lovely trail as there are several waterfalls on the lower part of the trail. Most people usually ascend using this trail since descending can be a bit tricky when the rocks are wet. As you begin walking through the woods, you’ll soon hear the sound of water. That is because you are now approaching the first cascade. Once you cross over and climb pass this, you’ll come to another waterfall which you have to climb up and is a bit steep. After you’ve seen all the falls, the trail will begin to climb steeply up to the ridge line, but the terrain is not too bad. After about 2.8 miles, there is a short spur trail (0.1 mile) to Shining Rock, a steep granite ledge that offers fantastic views of Franconia Notch. It’s worth the quick stop! At this point, the trail will now continue to climb steeply until you reach the Franconia Ridge Trail at the summit of Little Haystack Mountain (not an official 4,000 footer, but it has great views!)
One of the first waterfalls on the Falling Waters Trail
Another smaller waterfall along the trail
Heading up a steep portion of the trail. Rock staircases make it easier!
The largest waterfall on the trail. You hike up to the left of this one
Yet another pretty waterfall right on the trail
The trail gets rocky, rooty, and is usually very wet above the waterfalls
The trail crosses this small river to the right. Slippery!
After all the water, the Falling Waters Trail ascends gradually towards the ridge
Shining Rock! It is HUGE!
Breaking above treeline and looking south towards Mount Liberty and Mount Flume
Summit of Little Haystack with the Pemi in the background
Looking towards Mount Lincoln from Little Haystack
The Franconia Ridge Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in the White Mountains and is very heavily used. It is important to note that you should please try to stay on the trail while up on this ridge in order to preserve the fragile alpine vegetation. From Little Haystack Mountain, it is about 0.7 miles to the summit of Mount Lincoln, the first peak of the day. While the trail is not unusually difficult since you are walking along a ridge, you are completely exposed to the elements since you will now be above treeline for a while. If the weather is bad or the winds are high, use extra caution and turn back if necessary! It can get very brutal on the ridge, even in the summer. To Mount Lincoln, the ridge trail starts off relatively flat. As you get closer to Mount Lincoln, the trail ascends steep and quick to the summit.
Enjoying the breathtaking views and nice foliage along the Franconia Ridge Trail
Looking towards Cannon and the Kinsmans from Mount Lincoln
Not a cloud in the sky on Mount Lincoln!
Looking north towards Mount Lafayette
After enjoying the summit of Mount Lincoln, it is another 0.9 miles to the summit of Mount Lafayette. This portion of the trail ascends on moderate grades all the way to the summit. When you arrive to the summit, you will find the remains of an old summit house and lots of people! Once you’ve soaked in the incredible 360 degree views from the summit, it’s time to begin the descent. Follow the Greenleaf Trail for 1.1 miles until you reach the junction with Old Bridle Path. The descent off the summit is fairly moderate, so it’s not too bad on the knees. Once you reach the junction, you will also see the Greenleaf Hut - this is a good place to stop if you need water or snacks. As you begin to descend on Old Bridle Path, the trail gets steep at times and will require careful footing in some spots where it gets slippery. About half way down, the trail becomes moderate again until it reconnects with the Falling Waters Trail. From here, it’s 0.2 miles back to the parking lot. All in all, this loop amounts to about 3,650 feet in elevation gain. What a perfect loop! We highly recommended saving this hike for a day when you know the weather is going to be perfect.
Summit of Mount Lafayette with Cannon in the background
Looking down the entire Franconia Ridge from the summit of Lafayette
Lots of nice foliage this time of year in the Pemi
Looking down the Greenleaf Trail with the Greenleaf Hut visible in the distance
Looking back up at Lafayette and Lincoln from near the Hut
The Greenleaf Hut
Looking down the spine of Old Bridle Path - this is our descent
Excellent lookout along Old Bridle Path. Colors are popping!
Alternative routes:
We have not yet done any alternative routes to the summit of Mount Lafayette. This page will be updated once we have!
Hiking Mount Lafayette in the winter
We have not yet climbed Mount Lafayette in the winter, but once we do, we will update this page with our full report!
Questions? Comments? Want to share your take on this hike? Get in touch with us using the contact page!
As experienced hikers, we always make sure that we are hiking with The Ten Essentials which include navigation, a headlamp, sun protection, first aid, a knife, shelter, extra food, water and clothes. Overtime, we have discovered some items that we always bring on our hikes and consider them to be our personal, expanded ten essentials.