Franconia Loop Trail
I am currently in the highlights club, which means I try to hit every highlight in every state in the United States. I have every means to accomplish this great goal without Alaska (so 49 out of 50 BRING IT ON). I have absolutely no desire to conquer a mountain that is so unpredictable that you don’t know if you’re going to leave it.
So I had every intention of doing the High Point of New Hampshire. This is the reason why I ventured there. Mount Washington, 6,288 feet high, here I come. As I was researching, I saw the magnificence and beauty of Mount Washington. I am not devaluing this beautiful mountain at all.
I did, however, see a tram (you can go up to the top of the mountain by train, which is pretty cool, and get there by road.) Both options cost money. You do, however, have the option of climbing Mount Washington from the bottom at no cost. And that’s really the highlight. It is not recommended to cheat. To actually do it, you have to climb the mountain and start from the trailhead, although you have the option of driving to the highest point.
Anyway (sorry, it’s not about Mount Washington), I saw a hike nearby that really piqued my interest. The Franconian Loop Trail. From the research I’ve read, people have said it’s the “best hike in all of New England”, but only in New Hampshire. So I had to try!
I can always go back to New Hampshire and complete the highlight I’ve been telling myself. I like to change my plans at the last minute anyway. We always have the adventure side of us as children. But somehow we let life slip away from us as we age. So anytime I can add more adventures into my life, I’m up for it!
Anyway, the reason this article exists. The Franconia Ridge Loop Trail. Highly recommended for people who love adventure. This hike is EXHAUSTING! It will also take you most of the day to walk it. 8 hours is the average time it takes someone to hike this trail. It took me longer.
You will see a sign before going up. You can go either way, but most people will go up the Falling Waters Trail and then down Old Brittle Path. Now the great thing about doing it this way is that there is a cabin about 3 quarters of the way down.
Let’s just say you’re a great hiker but may be concerned about the distance (8 miles) and how strenuous it might be. You can shorten this hike and stay at the hostel. What’s also nice about the cabin is that you can eat lunch there and/or refill your water bottles, so you don’t necessarily need a water purifier if you’re hiking there. a day.
This hike is horrible but also worth the view!!!! It was probably the most tiring 8 miles I have ever done. It took me over an hour for each mile I walked and I usually walk between 2 and 3 miles per hour. It was crazy! Mainly because of the rocks. There is practically no land. It’s basically putting your foot on one rock after another. It’s quite intense!
So yes! I highly recommend this hike 100%. Just be prepared. The weather can get very ugly up there very quickly, so check the weather forecast. We are very exposed once on the ridge and we stay on the ridge for a while.
Bring a hearty lunch. You will need it because of all your energetic efforts. And as a precaution, download maps.me. The trail itself is well marked, so you should be fine, but you can never be too careful. This app is the BEST! You download the area at reception and the app can detect where you are on the trail at any time. You can put your phone in airplane mode to save battery so you can still take photos and also get your exact location from maps.me.
You may also see them from hikers hiking the AT (Appalachian Trail.)
I hope you have a good time!!!!! It was truly a fantastic hike with views that were worth all the effort :).
Thanks for reading!!!!
Living on the dirt / Shelly 🙂