Wore a short-sleeve shirt at the base and changed to tuque, jacket, and gloves once on the ridge. Was in the clouds and 40 mph winds on most of the ridge. Skies cleared in time to have spectacular views when descending Lafayette. Met caravans of people from all different countries. Shows how popular of a hike this is.
Second time on this route, first time we had amazing views, today the fog stayed thick like milk all the way to the end... Skies cleared by the time we started the descent, and we had gorgeous views after we passed the AMC hut. Loved the trail once again, regardless of the no view situation. It's one of the best around, which also makes it one of the most crowded. Would definitely go again :)
baker0408 - Nov 14, 2010 11:04 am Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2010
AMAZING!
Hiked the traverse this past Veteran's Day on a BEAUTIFUL fall day! Not a cloud in the sky all day! We went up Fall Waters and down Bridal. Not much snow or ice above the tree line, but enough below the tree line to be glad we had out crampons. Just above and below the hut on Bridal had the most ice and would be the most challenging without foot traction. We hiked the whole loop in a very leisurely 7 hrs. with lots of stops for putting on / taking off crampons, snacks, and lunch on top. Overall a GREAT hike and can't wait to do it again with full snow and ice.
mmcguigan - Dec 19, 2009 9:52 pm Date Climbed: Dec 19, 2009
SUPER COLD BUT BEAUTIFUL
Great hike with beautiful sky and awesome views. Totally cold.
danbknox - Oct 21, 2009 4:58 pm Date Climbed: Oct 18, 2009
Ice
Did the loop as described. At roughly 3000 ft' we hit ice so for 2/3 of the trip we were walking on ice. We didn't bring micro-spikes or poles, so it was quite the day. Gorgeous views though! Well worth it! (lots of canadians)
mattnoland - Nov 11, 2007 7:00 pm Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2003
Winter time.
I did the traverse with a friend of mine in early February of 2003. We didn't bring crampons but I wished I'd had them once we were above the treeline. It was quite cold...the water in my insulated hydration tube still froze. Besides the cold it was a nice hike and very worthwhile. I wouldn't underestimate the weather.
Like2Hike - Aug 30, 2007 2:06 pm Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2007
Classic!!!
A great day in the mountains!!!
Isaiah - Nov 25, 2006 11:32 pm Date Climbed: Oct 20, 2006
Rain
I also did just Mt. Lafayette today November 25th but I skipped the traverse so I could get back to town. Such a huge difference, the first time rain and 100 meters visibility this time 100 km or something! Get out more! There was barely any ice and in the 30's. I wore a cotton shirt on the way down and no ice-axe or crampons!
JeremyP - Apr 24, 2019 5:16 pm
Franconia RidgeWore a short-sleeve shirt at the base and changed to tuque, jacket, and gloves once on the ridge. Was in the clouds and 40 mph winds on most of the ridge. Skies cleared in time to have spectacular views when descending Lafayette. Met caravans of people from all different countries. Shows how popular of a hike this is.
TheWolfIsLoose - Nov 2, 2015 1:11 pm
BeautifulDid this as a day hike last year. The views are incredible once above treeline, and this hike is hard to beat no matter where you are!!
GlennD - Jun 14, 2015 11:17 am Date Climbed: Aug 27, 2005
Mt LafayetteGreat overnight trip with high school friends.
omegaxx - Dec 11, 2012 1:39 pm Date Climbed: Jul 9, 2012
Franconia Ridge LoopA nice day hike with some of the best scenery in the White Mountains. I especially enjoyed climbing the rock blocks on the ridge.
RhythmicMom - Jul 31, 2011 10:08 pm Date Climbed: Jul 30, 2011
FOGGY!Second time on this route, first time we had amazing views, today the fog stayed thick like milk all the way to the end... Skies cleared by the time we started the descent, and we had gorgeous views after we passed the AMC hut. Loved the trail once again, regardless of the no view situation. It's one of the best around, which also makes it one of the most crowded. Would definitely go again :)
baker0408 - Nov 14, 2010 11:04 am Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2010
AMAZING!Hiked the traverse this past Veteran's Day on a BEAUTIFUL fall day! Not a cloud in the sky all day! We went up Fall Waters and down Bridal. Not much snow or ice above the tree line, but enough below the tree line to be glad we had out crampons. Just above and below the hut on Bridal had the most ice and would be the most challenging without foot traction. We hiked the whole loop in a very leisurely 7 hrs. with lots of stops for putting on / taking off crampons, snacks, and lunch on top. Overall a GREAT hike and can't wait to do it again with full snow and ice.
mmcguigan - Dec 19, 2009 9:52 pm Date Climbed: Dec 19, 2009
SUPER COLD BUT BEAUTIFULGreat hike with beautiful sky and awesome views. Totally cold.
danbknox - Oct 21, 2009 4:58 pm Date Climbed: Oct 18, 2009
IceDid the loop as described. At roughly 3000 ft' we hit ice so for 2/3 of the trip we were walking on ice. We didn't bring micro-spikes or poles, so it was quite the day. Gorgeous views though! Well worth it! (lots of canadians)
mattnoland - Nov 11, 2007 7:00 pm Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2003
Winter time.I did the traverse with a friend of mine in early February of 2003. We didn't bring crampons but I wished I'd had them once we were above the treeline. It was quite cold...the water in my insulated hydration tube still froze. Besides the cold it was a nice hike and very worthwhile. I wouldn't underestimate the weather.
Like2Hike - Aug 30, 2007 2:06 pm Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2007
Classic!!!A great day in the mountains!!!
Isaiah - Nov 25, 2006 11:32 pm Date Climbed: Oct 20, 2006
RainI also did just Mt. Lafayette today November 25th but I skipped the traverse so I could get back to town. Such a huge difference, the first time rain and 100 meters visibility this time 100 km or something! Get out more! There was barely any ice and in the 30's. I wore a cotton shirt on the way down and no ice-axe or crampons!