Franconia Ridge Loop via Falling Waters
White Mountain National Forest • Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
Franconia Ridge Loop via Falling Waters in White Mountain National Forest is a 8.9-mile loop trail with +3,820 feet of elevation gain, rated as Strenuous (SAC T3). Best hiked between June, July, August, September, Early October, the route requires approximately 6 - 8 hours and does not require an advance day-use permit.
Trail Overview
Consistently rated one of the greatest day hikes in the United States, Franconia Ridge begins with the Falling Waters Trail, ascending past cascading waterfalls including Cloudland Falls. Climbing above the krummholz onto the open ridge at Little Haystack, hikers join the Appalachian Trail. For nearly two miles, hikers walk an open knife-edge alpine spine over Mount Lincoln (5,089 ft) to the summit of Mount Lafayette (5,260 ft), with uninterrupted views across the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The descent passes AMC Greenleaf Hut and follows the rocky Old Bridle Path.
Key Route Highlights
- 1.7 miles of continuous above-treeline alpine walking
- Spectacular Cloudland Falls cascade
- Pemigewasset Wilderness vistas
- Historic AMC Greenleaf Hut respite
- Check Mount Washington Observatory Higher Summits Forecast before departing; the ridge is notorious for hurricane-force gusts.
- Turn around or take the Greenleaf Cutoff immediately if fog lowers and thunder rumbles.
- Stay strictly on the rock path; alpine tundra vegetation takes 100 years to regenerate if trampled.
Calculate Your Time on Franconia Ridge Loop via Falling Waters
Customize with your specific pack weight and rest intervals using Naismith's formula.
Logistics & Regulations
No permit required. $5 parking fee at Lafayette Place Trailhead.
June, July, August, September, Early October
Cloudland Falls (Falling Waters) lower elevation. Greenleaf Hut near Mount Lafayette has potable water in summer.
Allowed on Leash
High Traffic