What follows is a summary of our New Moon on Franconia Ridge hike event. The hike was a success albeit with a smaller-than-hoped-for turnout of one person along with Redline Guide Debra McCown. For a more in-depth summary, the following words and photos are her’s.
No Crowds
On a nice day in the summertime, Franconia Ridge is known to get a bit crowded, with lots of folks coming to experience its unique ridgeline views and White Mountains summer vibe. But it’s still possible at other times — even at the height of summer — to have the ridge to yourself.
That’s what we were going for — plus a different perspective and a side of stargazing — with this weekend’s new moon Franconia Ridge hike.
We began our hike in t-shirts as the sun was going down and put on a warm layer and shell when we reached the ridge at Little Haystack, where we shut off our headlamps and spent some time looking at the Milky Way.
Then, in a cool, steady wind, we hiked the two large, pointed silhouettes before us: Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette. For the guest who chose this hike, these peaks were #44 and #45 for her NH 48 — and the first ones she’d done completely in the dark.
We didn’t see anyone until we were nearing the trailhead a little after 2 a.m. — and we passed a group of young men who were headed up Old Bridle Path aiming for sunrise on the ridge. —Debra
