Also on this trip

Trails Used

Skookumchuck, Garfield Ridge, Franconia Ridge, Osseo, Old Osseo

Trail Conditions

Notes

Gambled on the weather with Scott and won. The overcast was high, the skies colorful due to wildfire smoke, and the rain that held off until about 10 mins after we were done. We also decided to count everyone we met on the trail with an estimate set at 100. We were worried at first, but the 20 people on Haystack put us well ahead of pace, and we saw 125 mostly friendly folks between the Skook intersection and Old Osseo trail intersection. Anyway...what you probably care about. Skook is in great shape. Garfield Ridge and Franconia Ridge are in great shape. Osseo is a little crumbly up top, but fine. And Old Osseo is a delight. Sure, there are dozens and dozens of blowdowns, but almost all were easy to avoid. The reward is a nicely cushioned trail, very few people, a visit to Whaleback and surrounding viewpoints, views of slides and cliffs you have no idea existed, and zero people. There was one loud, thrashing being of some sort a bit below the summit, but I'll not speculate on ghosts. Try Old Osseo if you haven't. It was a nice change of pace and very pleasant.

Parking

Plenty of spots at Skookumchuck trailhead all day. It is still open during construction. The swimming hole lot ~1 mile past loon had open spots last night and today.

Water Crossings

A few muddy spots near the Old Osseo condos and a few small crossings, but all could be navigated easily.

Wildlife

Only a few on lower Old Osseo

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

After checking the weather last night I knew this was a day to get up high. FW is in nice shape. There are areas of wet trail and mud but all was very manageable. The wet rocks in the usual tricky spots around Cloudland Falls require care. The ridge was nice and dry with a mild breeze most of the way which helped with the bugs. The summits were in and out of the clouds which was just lovely. Greenleaf Trail was mostly dry and mud free. OBP had the usual muddy spots but the mud is drying and was mostly supportive. The rocks were dry which allowed for faster travel. With an early start, the trails were relatively quiet and the hikers I met were friendly and seemed to be enjoying the day. Many of us greeted each other with exclamations about what an awesome day it was. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else today. :)

Parking

There was lots of parking when I arrived at 6:30am. The lot was full upon my return before noon.

Water Crossings

Super easy rock hops today.

Wildlife

No issues until I got to the ridge then the black flies were annoying and biting. They rudely continued following me until I was past the hut on my descent.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

North Twin Trail, Fire Warden's Trail, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, North Twin Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

This extension of the conventional Pemi Loop was a hike I had planned for some time as a buildup to an endurance race, and the Lincoln Woods closure did not interfere with the route. Starting from the North Twin trailhead, this starts with Hale via the Fire Warden's Trail, makes a quick detour to Zealand Falls Hut, then heads up the Twinway to the Zeacliff outlook, Zealand, and the Bonds. The Bondcliff Trail marks the entry point to the standard Pemi Loop, which is then followed to the Osseo Trail (Lincoln Woods Trail is closed immediately south of this intersection), and across Franconia Ridge and Garfield Ridge. This is a formidable amount of climbing in the second half of the hike, and the South Twin ascent after 37.6 miles was the coup de grace. Trail conditions were excellent for the endeavor, with largely dry rocks, even on some of the typically wet sections of the Garfield Ridge Trail. The Bondcliff Trail had its typical muddy sections, but most of these could be avoided. The wettest segment of trail might have been the narrow corridor of the North Twin Spur. Most of the trails were unusually quiet for the Sunday of 4th of July weekend, but the Lincoln Woods closure and my civil twilight start had a lot to do with that. I encountered a number of friendly hikers between Zealand Falls Hut and Mt. Bond, and almost no one until miles later between Mt. Flume and Mt. Liberty. Though I was there around mid to late-afternoon, the number of hikers between Little Haystack and Mt. Lafayette was moderate rather than excessive. There were a few trail runners, all headed in the opposite direction, undoubtedly with similarly creative itineraries. Views were spectacular, and lower temperature and humidity made this endeavor much more pleasant than it would have been a few days earlier. Overall hike statistics: 44.0 miles, 14,050' gain, 18:20 elapsed time. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Ample parking at the end of Haystack Rd.

Water Crossings

Most significant crossing was the Little River 1.9 miles from the end of the North Twin Trail, and this could be creatively rock-hopped by headlamp. Water crossings on the Bondcliff Trail and Twinway were relatively easy rock hops.

Wildlife

Moderate presence of mosquitoes and small flies, most noticeable when stopped. One application of picaridin around mid-morning kept them away for the remainder of the day.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pemi East Side, Bushwhack, Osseo, Franconia Ridge, Garfield Ridge, Twin Brook, Frost, Twinway, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff, Wilderness, Lincoln Woods

Trail Conditions

Notes

Standard (almost) Pemi Loop from Lincoln Woods. This is the easiest loop, and it's still possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I took the East Side trail about 1.7 miles and then broke toward the river to cross. Look for the spot where the river is straight and wide, with a large eroded dirt cliff on the far side. This cliff is directly at the end of the Osseo Trail. I crossed toward the downstream end of the cliff and was never more than thigh deep. The water is cold and moving pretty fast. I'd recommend poles or a stick for balance. Once I hit the shore, there was a trail of orange tapes leading up to the LW Trail. Turn RIGHT and you'll see the Osseo in a hundred yards or so. I left my wet shoes there for the return trip, but you might consider carrying them so you can cross farther up (less water) on the way back. I wouldn't recommend a barefoot crossing, and would consider scoping/trying out the crossing(s) on a day when you are not doing the hike. I spent a lot of time and energy on that. Crossing back when it's dark and you're tired will be difficult.

Parking

Lincoln Woods lot was nearly empty at 5am on a Wednesday, and again at midnight.

Water Crossings

All trail-based crossings were easily managed, but last crossing on Wilderness Trail near Lincoln Woods Trails was a bit tricky in the dark.

Wildlife

Not bad at all, but it was quite breezy to windy most of the day. The biggest problem was all the moths dive-bombing my headlamp on the way out.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Skookumchuck, Garfield Ridge, Franconia Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Fantastic trails!!! Skookumchuk felt like I was walking on sponges, my knees and feet were very happy. The Garfield and Franconia Ridges had their typical stunning views.

Parking

Plenty of parking

Water Crossings

All easily crossable

Wildlife

Brought bug spray, but didn't need it. No nuisance bugs at all.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail conditions are much like Heat Lightning reported yesterday. Old Bridle Path is muddier than Falling waters but you can kind of get around it. The trails above treeline are just perfect. It was a great day to be up high! The trails are getting busier for sure but everyone was friendly and seemed to be enjoying the day.

Parking

Plenty of room at 7:30am Bathrooms are open and there are porta potties also available.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops even for wimpy short legged folks

Wildlife

Good grief. They have taken over. Not too bad down low but above treeline they are horrible. The breeze helped when it blew strong enough but when it died down, I felt like Pigpen from Charlie Brown with a cloud all around me and all over my face. I think my bug spray acted like a flavor enhancer.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridal Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trails have dried out pretty nicely from the snow on Friday. Mostly dry with minimal puddles and muddy patches. Ridge is in excellent shape. First hut snacks hike of the year (they had chocolate chip brownies at Greenleaf yesssss) Really really gorgeous sunset on the ledges descending old bridal. Little less skeptical of the relo work after being able to cruise w/out headlamp in the last gleaming of twilight. Took the old old bottom section shortcut back down to the car which is still pretty well brushed out (may have used my phone flashlight here)

Parking

Lot rapidly emptied as I was getting ready to go uphill @4:30pm

Water Crossings

All rock hops

Wildlife

Annoying gnats at higher elevations, wind kept them at bay. Big bugs in the conifers on FW

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Skookumchuck Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The majority of the trail was dry. Some wet parts, some mud. As usual, we thoroughly enjoyed this hike. There were maybe around 30 people on Lafayette, with plenty more on their way up.

Parking

Plenty

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

Out and biting in the afternoon.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pemi loop over three days. Stayed at Liberty Spring and Guyot Tentsites.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Lovely weather. Best Spring conditions I've ever seen. Glad to have made it out before Lincoln Woods Closure

Water Crossings

Rock Hopping. All crossings were easily crossable by wading or rock hopping.

Wildlife

Gnats and maybe one black fly came out on the final of our 3 days as we returned to Lincoln Woods.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pemi Trail, Liberty Springs Trail, Flume Slide Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Pemi trail was in good shape and easy to follow, as noted above some of the footbridges were in rough shape, but they were all crossable. Flume Slide trail was very steep and some spots were wet and required careful foot placement. The trail is also fully within trees, so those can be grabbed onto as well. Overall this trail didn't feel too dangerous, just very steep. Franconia Ridge Trail was well traveled and easy to follow, it also wasn't too busy despite the beautiful weather. The only section that was a little bit overgrown was some of the shrubbier sections in between Liberty and Lincoln, but it was still very easy to follow. Greenleaf trail is relatively gradual and easy to follow. Everything in Eagle Pass was incredibly mossy and there was still a lot of lingering snow. There were some patches that had to be walked on for a few steps and it was a bit slippery, but it was not enough to warrant microspikes or anything like that.

Parking

There were about 12 cars at the Old Man Historic Site parking lot around 8:30, and only 4 at 4:00. This lot can hold many more cars though.

Water Crossings

There were a couple water crossings on the southern end of Pemi Trail, the crossing of Cascade brook required a little bit of creativity but was very doable, and the crossing of Whitehouse brook was easy to rock hop. There were 3 crossings on Flume Slide Trail, all of which were either easy to rock hop with a little searching for a good spot, and there was one with a big log that could be walked across.

Wildlife

Surprisingly nonexistent, although they are definitely out in other parts of the mountains, especially near ponds and other standing water.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

did the loop counterclockwise. There may have been a handful of areas of snow smaller than a dish plate near the shining rock junction on falling waters otherwise it's all gone. trails are all in great shape for the crowds come this weekend, we appreciate the updates along the ridge and coming down the top of greenleaf to keep us on the trail. Even very little mud of note. Cold day but still got some nice sunburn...oops.

Parking

tons of space today

Water Crossings

we had one foot go in the drink going up falling waters otherwise it was all hops

Wildlife

surprisingly few today

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Awesome pemi this morning-started at 2:45 to minimize heat, bugs, and potential afternoon thunderstorms. Saw fewer than twenty hikers all day (no other trail runners), and had every summit minus Liberty to myself! Strong winds and big old clouds kept it comfortable until the eight mile run down from Bondcliff, which felt like I was running through hell it was so dang hot with minimal leaf coverage in the hardwoods. Leave the spikes at home! There was one stretch of stubborn unavoidable snow just before breaking treeline on Guyot. It only lasted five minutes. It was reported that the Zealand-Guyot stretch is still deep and nasty as of this morning. Top of Garfield and West Bond essentially all melted out. Get it before the LW closure!!!

Parking

Tons of space today

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops

Wildlife

Early start and elevated winds kept all the nasty buggers away. There were lots of regular old flies along the ridge in the woods but they were minding their own business!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Old Bridal Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Theree's still a bit of stable monorail on FWT just below and above shining rock. It was solid and covered in dirt which afforded good traction. No other snow or ice along the entire loop. This was a fantastic day for this hike. I have never started this loop so late but there weren't too many to be enjoyable.

Parking

Main lot full (couldn't get there until 10:00) but I got lucky at the campground parking as a party had just finished.

Wildlife

Still none all day, but there were a few buzzing but not biting at trailheads.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

OBP, Franconia Ridge, Liberty Springs

Trail Conditions

Notes

On the ridge between Falling Waters and Liberty Springs trail intersections there are sizeable patches of snow hanging on. There is about 1/2 mile stretch in the middle that had surprising amount of snow nearly non-stop, still up to 2+ feet deep and spanning the entire trail side-side. It was also surprisingly solid to walk on (the next few days may put a dent in this). My best description is 'pre-monorail', you could see where it would melt out fastest and where it would hang on down the center of the trail. Still didn't need traction on any of the snow patches (poles were enough) Doing the loop clockwise is the way to go. Getting the roadwalk (bike-trail walk) from Basin to OBP knocked out 1st and starting to hike from OBP trailhead set us up for success. We got to the summit of Lafayette before the crowds and by the time that rush-hour on the Franconia Ridge Superhighway picked up we were already passing Falling Waters intersection and continuing South.

Parking

Basin NB had maybe 5 cars when we started at 7:30 & was still not full when we finished the hike. Basin SB was the same. Lafayette parking lots were getting pretty full by 8am.

Water Crossings

Liberty Springs trail has 1x crossing that took a few minutes to figure out the best rock-hop

Wildlife

I inhaled my first bug of the season partway up OBP. I think the word got out about a bug-eater on the loose, so the rest stayed away nearly the entire hike. Descending on Liberty Springs they started to show up ~2500'. They weren't biting, just nuisance gnats. They really didn't seem to be doing anything much, they were like College Kids flitting around trying to figure out what to do with their life

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Trails Used

Falling Waters - Franconia Ridge - Greenleaf - Old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

I brought spikes, but never put them on. saw 1 group that used them for the disintergrating lengths of monorail just below and above shining rock on FW. To use them, depends on your comfort level. If I had descended this way, I probably would've put them on. Ridge is clear. Greenleaf and OBP are nearly 'ice out'. I hadn't done the loop in awhile, so I admired and appreciated all the trail work that has happened on FW and OBP. chatted with the woman who works as a steward with the FS on the ridge. Another nice job up there with creating a defined path. Walked out the last mile or so with two friendly hikers and enjoyed their company. I was sorry to miss the dinosaur performance on the ridge. ;)

Parking

fine.

Water Crossings

water levels were low. easily hopped.

Wildlife

too cold and windy today. not as much sun as forecasted and even spotted a few flakes falling.

Notes

Three unprepared hikers became lost on the Franconia Ridge Loop at Mount Lafayette after starting at 9:00 a.m. and losing the trail by 9:00 p.m. without lights or navigation equipment. Conservation Officers located them 2 miles from the trailhead and assisted them back to safety despite temperatures dropping into the low 20s.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

lincoln woods, osseo, franconia ridge, garfield ridge, frost, twinway, north twin spur, bondcliff trail, west bond spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This was a three day backpacking trip of the extended pemi loop from 5/7 to 5/9. I camped at garfield ridge campsite and guyot campsite. The tent platforms were all exposed and there was water flowing at each spring. I had a wide range of different conditions. I used microspikes for a few tricky sections but most of this was bare bootable. The osseo trail was melted with swampy sections above the ladders. Between liberty and flume there was still deep snow and monorail. Between liberty and haystack it was mostly melted with a few patches of snow. Lincoln and Lafayette were bare rock. Garfield ridge was mostly melted with a lot of puddles. There was some annoying monorail left between gale river trail and the hut. The twin way up to south twin was mostly melted. The north twin spur was narrow monorail that was a pain to hike across. There were puddles with a thin layer of ice over them. Between south twin and guyot it was mostly monorail with only a few melted sections. The twinway from guyot to Zealand had a lot of monorail left. The bonds had some monorail, particularly on the west bond spur. The Bondcliff trail below Bondcliff was melted with avoidable snow.

Water Crossings

The crossings on the bondcliff trail were all easy.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

OBP was mostly bare ground with a few short stretches of icy monorails below the Hut. Just beyond the boardwalk to treeline were multiple sections of icy monorails that I was able to carefully navigate ascending but if descending I probably would have used rock spikes. Above treeline on Lafayette to Lincoln were small sections of black ice from yesterday's rain and refreeze plus a fresh coating of graupel which fell pretty hard for about an hour. But the sun came out and probably melted most of that frozen precip. I stayed in my trail runners up OBP, Greenleaf and the Ridge without any problems but about a tenth of a mile down Falling Waters I opted for my rock spikes for another icy intermittent monorail until about 2/10 of a mile below the Shining Rock Spur Trail then trail runners out.

Parking

Happily the summer crowds aren't here yet so just a half dozen cars in the parking lot at 730 and the afternoon.

Water Crossings

All 5 water crossings were flowing pretty fast but I rock hopped with moderate trail runner submersion but it was warm enough in the afternoon that it didn't matter. Some of the rocks near all the water were slippery so caution is warranted descending Falling Waters Trail.

Wildlife

Happily non-existent for the time being!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Bridge Path, Green leaf trail, Franconia ridge trail, Falling water trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Going up Old Bridge Path and Green leaf trail which are dry and getting muddy at the top with some small monorail but no ice at all. Small patches before you hit the peak of Mt Lafayette. Super windy on the ridge on the day I hiked. No snow or ice on the ridge at all. Going down Falling water trail and found black ice and monorail for about a mile. Traction device and poles are needed here. Keep your spike in your hand for about an hour since the ice is on and off.

Water Crossings

All could be rock hopped without much effort

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hiked in early May. About 9 miles, 6 hours total. Snow present on mountains. Super windy and cold conditions on ridge. Both quads cramped at halfway point. Trail was easy to follow thanks to footprints and rock piles. Hiked with one friend. Conditions were scary and uncomfortable but hikeable.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Installment #2 of the "how messed up is your knee really?" show. It seems it's not too messed but I will keep up with my testing. The trails are dry or mushy with water run off and some mud down low. There are some areas of intermittent ice and monorail here and there but you can get around it. I picked my way up to about .75 miles from Shining rock. Then it got too tedious for me so I put on spikes. I used them until I popped out above treeline on Little Haystack and then took them off. Above treeline it is mostly bare rock with the occasional area of stubborn snow hanging on. I did put spikes on for a short stretch down to the Greenleaf hut mostly because I was worried about my knee. I kept them on for about .75 down Old Bridle Path before taking them off again. The monorail is holding up nicely I didn't post hole at all. The ice is soft enough that I had good bite even with dull spikes. I only saw a handful of people today but all seemed to be having a great day. I realized I hadn't been on the Ridge since December so I was WAY overdue to hike the loop. What an excellent day!

Parking

Plenty of room to park. I didn't check to see if the restrooms were open.

Water Crossings

Even #Teamfunsized managed to rock hop all the water crossings without wet feet or going for a swim.

Wildlife

Oh they are out. Not biting but out. Little suckers are flying around like they own the place.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

April hike with mixed conditions - bare ground transitioning to snow around 1.5 miles in. Snow-free ridge above treeline with some snowy areas in trees. Perfect weather with no wind.

Water Crossings

All water crossings were good. Monorail is thin but stable.

Wildlife

Bear spotted at second water crossing on Falling Waters Trail. Solo hiker yelled and bear ran off. Hiker had not seen bear on this trail in many previous visits.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf, Franconia Ridge, Liberty Spring, Bike Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Short version - some ice, some stable monorails, and a lot of dry trail. Bring the spikes and expect to take them on and off a few times. Conditions were as good as you can get in April. A mix of dry rocks and ice started just below the hut and continued until Haystack. Mostly bare booted except for a few stretches where spikes were a huge help. The trail between Haystack and Liberty Springs was a surprisingly stable and wide monorail with an inch of soft, crunchy snow on top. Perfect conditions for spikes. This continued all the way to Liberty and Flume, and made for very fast going. Kept the spikes on to handle ice on Liberty Spring until 3300 feet when the trail was in very good, mostly dry condition.

Parking

Lots of spots at campground all day

Water Crossings

All could be rock hopped without much effort

Wildlife

Some flies coming out on Liberty

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Skookumchuck Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Falling Waters Trail, Bike Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Skook is much drier down low than Wednesday, patchy snow starting at 2700', dusting at 3200', minor monorail stretches, never thought of putting on spikes for the ascent. Minor snow & ice patches in shady pockets on the ridge and monorail in the high scrub between the summits. Spikes went on at treeline on falling waters, off at 3200' with the end of consistent monorail & ice tho many patches in places almost all the way down to the trailhead. Took a long lap thru the notch on the bike patch back to my car. Amazing how the difference in trail usage between Skook and the other ridge trails has on shoulder season conditions. Skook will likely be melted up to 4000' in a week whereas falling waters and the ridge scrub might still have significant snowpack until the end of May

Parking

Skook lot 1/2 full

Water Crossings

All easy rock hops

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Bridle, Franconia Ridge, Liberty Spring, Bike Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Barebooted to the Greenleaf Hut. Snow was quite grippy. If descending this way you want spikes, though. Wore spikes until above treeline, where there is patchy snow. Ridge is mostly snow free. From Little Haystack to the Liberty Springs junction is loose granular from the last week’s snow over a firm base. Very slick. I went to K10’s about a quarter of the way as I was sliding around in spikes and slipping off the monorail. Crampons are awesome for these conditions. Monorail to Flume was firm and bulletproof. Icy, even. K10’s for the win again, for more grip. Felt like superman in those today. Snow dissapears about halfway down Liberty Springs. Saw everything you’d expect to see on a beautiful Saturday: several shirtless men, many in tennis shoes, many struggling with no spikes, someone in dress loafers, and someone completely barefoot. No judgement here.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling waters, Franconia Ridge, old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

My dog and I started out about 9 AM up Falling waters. Because of freezing and thawing, do not trust what’s left of the monorail at low elevations and stick to the dirt. It is slick! I ate it hard about a quarter mile in. Water crossings are low and manageable for spring time but Rocks were very icy in the morning. I bare booted until about a half mile from the top of little haystack. Then spikes were pretty necessary with the icy monorail. The ridge had very little snow left, except for right before the summit of Lafayette. I didn’t put my spikes back on until below the Hut, but if I did it again, I would put them on at the beginning of the descent. The second half of the descent was mostly bare dirt and rock. My dog is an avid hiker and had no trouble at all.

Water Crossings

Sketchy glaze ice in the am at all water crossings on Falling Waters. Was able to stay dry with waterproof boots.

Wildlife

Not yet!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Bridal Path, Franconia Ridge, Falling Waters

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The 3 inches of new snow from earlier in the week is all packed now or has already melted. Probably 20 hikers today with most doing the full loop. Falling Waters Trail has much less ice than I expected and is mostly bare around the steeps at the waterfalls but overall this trail still has quite a bit of solid snow remaining especially above final water crossing and then all the way up to the ridge with just a few areas of bare ground/wet and overall still quite good for spikes. Along the ridge and down the upper part of OBP is a mix of bare rocks, packed snow and minor amounts of ice, generally bare boot country or rock spikes. The lower half of OBP is mostly bare ground and dry trail with just one or two short areas of running water. All in all trail conditions were excellent today, recommend bringing a good pair of spikes for the morning ice and upper areas of Falling Waters and an old pair for the rocky areas on the ridge and upper OBP.

Parking

Big lot, plenty of parking available today

Water Crossings

Crossings on Falling Waters fairly high but able to cross without getting wet

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Bridle, Franconia Ridge, Falling Waters

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Went clockwise. Bare booted from trailhead to the hut, then spikes in the covered areas on the way to Lafayette summit. Bare booted to little Haystack, then traction required to just past the falls. Surprised to see so many hikers with no traction! Major monorail on Falling Waters, but firm.

Parking

Lot was 75% full at 9AM.

Water Crossings

Heard reports falling waters crossings were difficult but by the time we got there in the early afternoon they were easily rock hop-able.

Wildlife

Lots of friendly dogs out no bugs!

Also on this trip

Notes

Three hikers became stranded on Falling Waters Trail after running out of daylight, lacking appropriate footwear and clothing for icy conditions, and being unable to safely cross Dry Brook multiple times. Conservation Officers provided lights and warm clothing, then guided them off-trail to the trailhead.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters, Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Falling Waters has snow melt with fast currents and dangerous conditions. Bridle Path is easier with better views but less adventurous. Overall described as one of the reporter's top hikes.

Water Crossings

River crossings were exhilarating and dangerous due to snow melt and fast currents.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling waters, Franconia ridge, old bridle

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Gorgeous day for a hike on the ridge. Kahtoola’s from trailhead to Little Haystack, bare boots to Lafayette, spikes back on to trailhead. Some folks we passed on the ridge had spikes on, but it was 95% bare, 5% ice/snow. Your call. Trail below tree line was in great shape - firm with no post holing. Not sure how long that will last. 2+’ of snow in most places especially Old Bridle.

Parking

15% full at 830AM.

Water Crossings

Normal water heights, surprisingly. Ice on rocks but no prob with spikes.

Wildlife

Couple dogs - always make the hike better.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lafayette and Lincoln loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Ended with some mashed potatoes with warm temps

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Liberty Springs Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Firm pack of snow below treeline on Old Bridle Path and then it becomes bare and icy on Greenleaf Trail up to the summit of Lafayette. Smooth sailing to Lincoln and Little Haystack before the real challenge begins. From Little Haystack to Liberty, it's an awkward monorail of spring snow, few postholes and blowdowns. Up to Liberty and Flume, snow was soft and down Liberty Springs, mushy snow and then a lot of rock, mud and water.

Parking

Plenty of room when we car-spotted at The Basin and at Old Bridle/Falling Waters.

Water Crossings

Two crossings on Liberty Springs are moving swiftly, but hoppable by rocks, for the most part.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Ridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Beautiful day with wind chill around -18°F and predicted winds 25-30mph. Excellent winter trail conditions. Hikers completed either one loop (9 miles) or two loops (18 miles) of the ridge.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling waters, Franconia ridge, green leaf, Old bridle

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trails were firm and fast. Minimal ice on FW Greenleaf and old Bridle. Some short areas of ice on Franconia ridge, lots of firm snow and some posthole sections in drifted areas.

Water Crossings

Above the falls a couple were a bit spicy and required some thought. All 3 of us were good with dry feet. When it warms up will be more challenging to stay dry.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Bike Path, Liberty Springs Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridle Path, Bike Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare boots from the Basin lot to just past Liberty, snow was very grippy even without traction, but I knew I'd need the snowshoes for Liberty->Haystack so put them on after Liberty. Trail is very supportive as long as you stay on the previous path. Back at the junction with Liberty Springs Trail, all signs of previous travel were gone heading towards Haystack. With snowshoes, you could walk anywhere and only sink ~6". I'd give myself a solid A- for navigation...only had to double back once. A couple of times I thought "Surely this isn't the trail." as I squeezed through some waist high gap in the spruce but using GPS, guesswork, and the Force I managed to keep on course. There might be 10' of snow in places, and this trail is very lightly used in winter so not very consolidated...it would be foolish to attempt this section without snowshoes. Bundled up at the top of the ladder approaching Haystack, which is good because the wind was ripping once out of the trees. Decided to switch to Hillsounds a couple of 100 yds past Haystack, but in retrospect I wish I'd left the snowshoes on, there is pretty consistently 6"-1' of snow on the ridge with some icy patches mixed in for fun. It looked like 3 other people crossed the ridge today, all bare boot, so the trail is a bit chopped up for now in places. The trail from Lafayette to the hut is more packed but still lumpy, and OBP gets less lumpy the lower you go. The bike path from Lafayette Place back to the Basin lot still has decent snow coverage but bare boots were fine...(it looks like it's been a while since snowmobiles have used it)

Parking

Parked at the Basin lot on SB side, loads of space and I was the only car there.

Water Crossings

The only crossings of note are on Liberty Springs Trail and were easily rock hoppable.

Wildlife

No bugs, but I did see a vole near the summit of Mt. Lincoln running around on the ice...I think the wind chill was -30...the Chuck Norris of Voles...and I learned a new term just now, the Subnivean Zone, which is the thin zone between the snow pack and the frozen ground where they normally hang out. This guy must have wanted to stretch his legs.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Tough day! Broke trail heading up Falling Waters until the middle of the descent of Lafayette. Until I hit the ridge, it was very manageable: 5-7" of light snow, easily handled with showshoes. The Cloudland Falls section was tough - crampons would be wise there. I had a tough time with snowshoes. On the ridge it was very difficult to see the ground. Used my poles best I could to find rocks to avoid sinking into drifts. Mixed success there. Struggled to surmount some of the big boulder technical sections before Lincoln. Switched to spikes here for the rest of the hike (I prefer descending in spikes). The drifts got more serious closer to Lafayette and also on the exposed section of the descent before the hut (which is closed. After the hut, I jogged down most of Old Bridle, which had been broken out and is nice and mellow with some packed snow on it. Anyway, the loop is broken out for now.

Water Crossings

Water was fairly low. Crossings not difficult with poles.

Trails Used

Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Used spikes out and back, old bridal to greenleaf summited Lafayette. Spikes the entire trip. Few inches of snow before 215 pm on sun, 3/22 but it was still snowing. Exposed greenleaf has sections of deeper snow. Watch out for covered post holes and snow covered ice in places. While the monorail was stable today it was incredibly narrow and required good concentration to not fall off in some locations. A good hike experiencing adverse weather safely with a group of experienced/ prepared hikers.