Reminds me of a November hike of the same loop over twenty years ago; there was much less snow accumulation, but the wind was similar (or worse, we each got knocked down once or twice on the Ridge), and the clouds were lower; we were in them from Haystack over Lincoln to Lafayette. I happened to be in the lead between Lincoln and Haystack, and was concerned that I would miss the turn at the summit, and end up at Garfield rather than at the Greenleaf Hut. I lucked out, and actually stumbled into the signpost physically, and knew to turn left/west. Only 150-200 feet later, and maybe 40 feet of elevation drop, we emerged from the clouds, and it was clear all the way down, and calm beyond the hut. But it was wild on the ridge, and white-out the entire way. Thanks for sharing your experience; it brought memories that are both fond and a little hairy. Be safe and healthy.
I hiked up Lafayette in winter and, similar to your experience, the wind died down substantially once I got past the Greenleaf Hut and below tree line.
This is where Emily Sotelo died. Franconia Ridge is the 2nd highest terrain in NH, and being about 20 miles west of Mt Washington and the worst weather in the world means the wind that causes that weather hits Franconia first. Make sure you have appropriate gear and the knowledge to use it.
going up Falling Waters Trail, were there ways to avoid breaking thru if you suspected the snow wasn't packed enough? I guess you'd have to step way off the trail...into the trees somewhat?
Thank you for video. I was lost recently. Week before Emily. I went down Garfield trail got late no light fell down called 911 ranger talked me to road. Franconia police picked me up. Drove me over 10 miles to car. Thank you NH athouraties. My heart is broken for Emily and her family. M McGloin
use "Old Bridle Path Trailhead" for the gps to get to the trailhead. On the trail, when you get to the bridge go over it. the loop ends at the bridge so when you go down you will go past that same bridge to make the full loop. weather was terrible along the peak on the 26th and I was unable to the do the full loop so keep an eye out for weather.
@@P_Petkov so did you park at Lafayette campground then take. Falling rivers trail to the f ridge trail to pass Lincoln then Lafayette to greentree to bridle........I guess I mean where did you park to reach trailhead .....im looking at the amc book and map and it appears you'd park at the Lafayette campground
The conditions will be similar with less ice and snow. In spring time you can expect the rivers water level to be higher and the flow of water to be faster due to the snow melt. Also the snow pack might be softer so you might post hole in some spots if the trail is not packed down by frequent hikers.
April will still have snow. It’ll be even more slippery with snow melting and freezing over again. Micro spikes or crampons. Hiking sticks will do you wonders on the route off the mountain. I’ve done this in April.
@@gthechemist Thanks, I have done a lot of hiking in New England. The Long Trail and all the 4,000 in the Whites and now that I am retired looking to doing more winter hiking. I did the Pemi loop in 2021. Take care
You better just stay home then where your safe, do you expect a partner carry you down if you twist an ankle? Maybe my girlfriend would put me on her shoulders? 😅
As an older person, retired your mindset would essentially end all of my adventures. I hiked the Long Trail in Vermont this past October with my hound mix Maggie. All of the 4,000 footers in the Whites and mountain bikes thousands of miles mostly alone. As you age out you don’t have anyone to do this adventures with. Next year it’s going to be almost 500 miles on the Colorado Trail, alone. I have never needed aid but have helped multiple people over the years. I helped two young women get off the same ridge last year. I found them both very cold underdressed and crying. They were very surprised to find some old man super fit who likes to night hike and very well prepared. I also helped to carry out a backcountry skier with a compound fractured leg once too. I would certainly be willing to help out a fellow hiker in need. It’s what we do.
Reminds me of a November hike of the same loop over twenty years ago; there was much less snow accumulation, but the wind was similar (or worse, we each got knocked down once or twice on the Ridge), and the clouds were lower; we were in them from Haystack over Lincoln to Lafayette. I happened to be in the lead between Lincoln and Haystack, and was concerned that I would miss the turn at the summit, and end up at Garfield rather than at the Greenleaf Hut. I lucked out, and actually stumbled into the signpost physically, and knew to turn left/west. Only 150-200 feet later, and maybe 40 feet of elevation drop, we emerged from the clouds, and it was clear all the way down, and calm beyond the hut. But it was wild on the ridge, and white-out the entire way. Thanks for sharing your experience; it brought memories that are both fond and a little hairy. Be safe and healthy.
Great story! Thanks for sharing
I hiked up Lafayette in winter and, similar to your experience, the wind died down substantially once I got past the Greenleaf Hut and below tree line.
This is where Emily Sotelo died. Franconia Ridge is the 2nd highest terrain in NH, and being about 20 miles west of Mt Washington and the worst weather in the world means the wind that causes that weather hits Franconia first. Make sure you have appropriate gear and the knowledge to use it.
So beautiful there! Thanks for sharing
I hiked that mountain today had to go back down at haystack because it was really windy with all ice!
The view on the summit is so cool. like in the space!
going up Falling Waters Trail, were there ways to avoid breaking thru if you suspected the snow wasn't packed enough? I guess you'd have to step way off the trail...into the trees somewhat?
Awesome. This trail scared me years ago in September. It definitely would during winter.
Thank you for video. I was lost recently. Week before Emily. I went down Garfield trail got late no light fell down called 911 ranger talked me to road. Franconia police picked me up. Drove me over 10 miles to car. Thank you NH athouraties. My heart is broken for Emily and her family. M McGloin
I'm gonna hike this tomorrow whats the exact trailhead and trail did you take ?
use "Old Bridle Path Trailhead" for the gps to get to the trailhead.
On the trail, when you get to the bridge go over it. the loop ends at the bridge so when you go down you will go past that same bridge to make the full loop.
weather was terrible along the peak on the 26th and I was unable to the do the full loop so keep an eye out for weather.
@@P_Petkov so did you park at Lafayette campground then take. Falling rivers trail to the f ridge trail to pass Lincoln then Lafayette to greentree to bridle........I guess I mean where did you park to reach trailhead .....im looking at the amc book and map and it appears you'd park at the Lafayette campground
@@aggiehort07 I park right on the other side of the campground parking lot right at the start of the trailhead.
When is the collab happening tho
At 8:23, hope you secured that strap :p
Great video! I’m considering hiking the ridge in April. Should I expect the conditions to be similar?
The conditions will be similar with less ice and snow. In spring time you can expect the rivers water level to be higher and the flow of water to be faster due to the snow melt. Also the snow pack might be softer so you might post hole in some spots if the trail is not packed down by frequent hikers.
Winter stays long in the Whites, I’d bring the same gear you’d pack for a January hike.
April will still have snow. It’ll be even more slippery with snow melting and freezing over again.
Micro spikes or crampons. Hiking sticks will do you wonders on the route off the mountain. I’ve done this in April.
What the exact trailhead you parked at and whats trail did you take
This is the all trails of the course I did www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-lafayette-and-franconia-ridge-trail-loop?search=true
Awesome. Would like to do the same tail in the same conditions. Thank you.
what did you use to record this video?
I used a GoPro Hero 7 Black
Nice video. What type of foot ware and crampon are you using? They looked like a nice day to hike the ridge. Thanks
I was wearing Salomon gore-tex hiking boots with Grivel crampons
@@gthechemist Thanks, I have done a lot of hiking in New England. The Long Trail and all the 4,000 in the Whites and now that I am retired looking to doing more winter hiking. I did the Pemi loop in 2021. Take care
@@gthechemist Toundra Pros?
How long did it take?
it took me a little over 6 hours from start to finish
Is stupid, alone especially. One slip can injure anle, etc & make death a possibility. Then other people have to risk their lives for your recovery.
You better just stay home then where your safe, do you expect a partner carry you down if you twist an ankle? Maybe my girlfriend would put me on her shoulders? 😅
As an older person, retired your mindset would essentially end all of my adventures. I hiked the Long Trail in Vermont this past October with my hound mix Maggie. All of the 4,000 footers in the Whites and mountain bikes thousands of miles mostly alone. As you age out you don’t have anyone to do this adventures with. Next year it’s going to be almost 500 miles on the Colorado Trail, alone. I have never needed aid but have helped multiple people over the years. I helped two young women get off the same ridge last year. I found them both very cold underdressed and crying. They were very surprised to find some old man super fit who likes to night hike and very well prepared. I also helped to carry out a backcountry skier with a compound fractured leg once too. I would certainly be willing to help out a fellow hiker in need. It’s what we do.