A returning guest really wanted to enjoy Franconia Ridge during nice weather and this was his day… finally. The team hiked the classic loop, though they took on Mt Lafayette first going up Old Bridle Path and Greenleaf Trail, then descending Falling Waters Trail off of Little Haystack. The thinking was one of personal preference as well as the idea of getting the heavy lifting done while fresh. Apparently the plan worked, and the day delivered great weather. Common to this time of year — those pesky shoulder season days — the team hiked up on a fall day which became more of a “winter day” as they entered the alpine. Redline Guide Mary Fields offered this short summary.
Great day and Franconia Ridge. Being a two-season hike with autumn at the base and winter at the top, definitely offered some challenges with ice and snow. Our guest used light traction for the first time and he enjoyed the challenge, both physically and mentally, that the trail had to offer today. Franconia Ridge is his favorite trail in the White Mountain National Forest thus far. —Mary
