Greenleaf Hut
Greenleaf Hut is one of eight backcountry huts managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) within the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. This hut is situated below the summit of Mt. Lafayette.
There are two approach trails from the valley to the Hut. The most common approach is via the Old Bridal Path, which begins at the Falling Waters trailhead on the northbound side of I-93. You can also reach the trailhead by parking at the Lafayette Campground on the southbound side of I-93 and crossing under I-93 via a pedestrian tunnel.
There are several excellent day trips that can be made from the Hut, including a visit to Mt. Lafayette & Mt. Lincoln (both are "4,000-footers").
Accomodations
According to the AMC's website (www.outdoors.org), the 2012 operating season is as follows:
2012: "Self Service" May 4 - May 28
2012: "Full Service" June 1 - October 13
"Self-Service" means that meals are not provided, but you may use their kitchen facilities to cook your own food. The hut provides mattresses and pillows during the self-service season, but you will need to bring an appropriately rated sleeping bag. I also recommend bringing a headlamp and earplugs.
"Full-Service" includes a full dinner and breakfast, and you are provided with a mattress, blankets and a pillow. Bring your own sleeping liner (recommended) or a very lightweight sleeping bag.
Water can be refilled at the hut (they have a well).
Greenleaf Hut sleeps 48 in three coed bunkrooms. Reservations are mandatory (except for A.T. thru-hikers). The Hut typically sells out well in advance for many summer & holiday weekends.
Check Availability (Reservations):
AMC ReservationsAccess
Greenleaf Hut is the second AMC hut along the Appalachian Trail corridor in New Hampshire:
Note: Huts are listed in order from south to north as they lie on the A.T.
1st -
Lonesome Lake Hut
2nd -
Greenleaf Hut
3rd -
Galehead Hut
4th -
Zealand Falls Hut
5th -
Mizpah Spring Hut
6th -
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
7th -
Madison Spring Hut
8th -
Carter Notch Hut
The usual route to the Hut is by the Old Bridal Path from the Lafayette Place parking area(2.9 miles with 2,450ft of elevation gain). The hut can also be accessed via the Greenleaf Trail from the Cannon Mountain Tramway parking lot, which is on the west side of the Franconia Notch Parkway (I-93).
Distances from the Hut to:
Mt. Lafayette - 1.1 miles (via Old Bridal Path)
Mt. Lincoln - 2.0 miles (via Old Bridal Path & Fraconia Ridge Trail)
Lonesome Lake Hut - 4.5 miles (via Old Bridal Path, Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail & Fishin' Jimmy Trail)
Mt. Garfield - 4.6 miles (via Old Bridal Path & Garfield Ridge Trail)
Liberty Springs Campsite - 4.9 miles (via Old Bridal Path, Franconia Ridge Trail & Liberty Spring Trail)
Mt. Liberty - 4.9 miles (via Old Bridal Path & Franconia Ridge Trail)
Garfield Ridge Shelter - 5.0 miles (via Old Bridal Path & Garfield Ridge Trail)
Galehead Hut - 7.5 miles (via Old Bridal Path, Garfield Ridge Trail, & Twinway)
External Links
Appalachian Mountain Club's Greenleaf Hut page
Mohammed Ellozy's Greenleaf Hut page
Higher Summits Forecast