Also on this trip

Trails Used

Whitehouse Trail, Liberty Spring Trail, Flume Slide Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

My sister and I headed up the trail this morning to finish her NH48. Flume Slide Trail was straightforward until the river crossing mentioned above that was partially blocked by the fallen tree. The slide started soon afterward. The bottom part is full of very loose rock, and then it reaches some very steep slabs. There were bypasses around the worst areas, and I used a few of them, but my sister wanted to use the actual slide as much as possible. Luckily, the rocks were dry, so they generally gave pretty good grip. The upper part of the slide is, on average, slightly less steep than the part below, but still very steep and scrambly. There are a few places with views through the trees. Near the top, we were passed by a father and a daughter who was probably around 10 - I was impressed by how well she was doing on such a difficult trail. Once leaving the slide, the uppermost part of Flume Slide Trail is still very steep and rough, just without the slabs of the slide. When reaching the junction with Osseo and Franconia Ridge Trail, be sure to take the very short side path to the right (partially blocked by a fallen tree) to get an excellent view. Franconia Ridge Trail is in good shape, and even though the haze and approaching rain limited the views from Flume and Liberty, we could still see a whole bunch of mountains. Just before reaching Liberty, the main trail turns left to traverse a few difficult ledge slabs, while a bypass trail (which wasn't there 10 years ago) continues straight to bypass the slabs. The summit of Liberty was beautiful, even though we could tell that rainfall was imminent. We were still able to celebrate my sister's successful completion of the NH48. Liberty Spring Trail was a straightforward descent, even if the steep upper section was slower and some of the rocks were wet. It rained for periods on the lower half of the descent, but it didn't make the trail notably more difficult. We saw a whole bunch of other people, some with similar itineraries to ours, while others were planning to continue along the ridge to Little Haystack and even beyond. We hope they hiked safely considering the wet rocks they must have encountered. It was a strenuous but still very enjoyable hike. My sister's verdict on Flume Slide Trail was that it was the fun kind of steep climbing, and not quite as difficult or dangerous as the North Slide of Tripyramid. But it's still a T25 for a reason - be very careful on it.

Parking

The Liberty Spring/Whitehouse trailhead parking lot seems to have been mostly full at some point today, but it never overflowed. No issues.

Water Crossings

All were rock-hoppable.

Wildlife

I put on bug spray at the start, and didn't notice any bugs at all.

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

Trails Used

Whitehouse Trail, Liberty Springs Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I knew the weather was going to be good so I wanted to knock out something that had views and BOYOHBOY did I get them. The trails were pretty quiet on the way up. I think I only saw about 6 people. The trails are mostly dry which made the rocks up the steeps on Liberty Springs no big deal. The spots that have running water on the trail, still have running water on the trail but it not deep so even my feet stayed dry. The few muddy sections are supportive and not squelchy. Franconia Ridge is dreamy. I love that stretch as it putters along and the conditions made for fast travel over and back from Flume. It was great to bump into Eric again. That made 3/3 hikes where we have seen each other in the last week. Stellar day for sure! Just wow!

Parking

There were about 6 cars in the Liberty Springs parking lot when I started with lots of room for more. When I returned there were a few more but not many.

Water Crossings

All easy rock hops. There is water at the tentsite as well. I filtered at the largest stream crossing which was flowing nicely.

Wildlife

Bugs? What bugs? Didn't even need bug spray.

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.

Trails Used

Bike path, Liberty Springs, Franconia Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

An OTHH hike. We figured we'd decide at the top of Liberty if we were going on to Flume. In the end, two did, while the rest of us headed back down. The day was warm, and all that rock on the trail between the ridge and on that long upward stretch to the tent site was tedious and tiring, so we were content to do just Liberty.

Parking

At 8am there were quite a few cars at the Liberty Springs lot just above the Flume lots.

Water Crossings

All reasonably easy rock hops.

Wildlife

Mostly not a problem, but noticeable around the tent site. Some biting black flies.

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

Pemi Trail, Whitehouse Trail, Liberty Spring Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I almost pivoted to crash Lynn and Rhonda's hike after bumping into Rhonda in the McD's bathroom but decided to stick with the original plan. The Pemi trail was in great shape as was Liberty Springs. The rocks were nice and dry which made for a slightly speedier ascent and descent and no slips or falls. Franconia Ridge was in great shape and was mostly dry. There were a few muddy areas but the mud was drying out nicely and was supportive and not squelchy. Views were lovely this morning until the black flies arrived.

Parking

Plenty of room at the Liberty Springs trailhead but I was surprised to find a good 10 cars already there at 7:15am.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops that didn't even require thought or pre-planning my route.

Wildlife

I did the bug spray thing right in the parking lot but down low they really were not an issue. The summits of both peaks were well represented by the black fly brigade. I had my bug net within reach but just opted for a short stay to avoid them.

Trails Used

Whitehouse, Liberty Springs, Franconia Ridge Trails

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trails in great shape, a couple of minor blow downs easy to step over. Water running on lower portion of Liberty Springs trail but generally enough rocks to stay dry. Ice cold foot soak in Cascade brook felt great.

Parking

One other car at 7:30am, half dozen at 3pm

Water Crossings

All crossings hoppable

Wildlife

Some midges on summits, otherwise none to speak of.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Notch bike path, Liberty Spring Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Came here to say that there's no snow on either Liberty or Flume. Teeny, tiny, 1" diameter pieces of snow off to the side at the most, nothing on the trails. A little bit of passing shower activity today and cool-ish at both summits, but totally comfortable in a long sleeve in the trees.

Parking

No issues

Water Crossings

Easy to rock hop

Wildlife

Also none today!!!!

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

Bike trail, Liberty Springs, Franconia Ridge, Greenleaf, & Old Bridle Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Send it

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

Flume side trail, Liberty spring trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great weather and overall great hike. First time up flume side trail, it wasn't that wet, but the rocks were slick with the minimal moisture that was there. A few sketchy sections that were damp and didn't have good hand holds but definitely passable!

Parking

Plenty of spots at 830am and 2pm (Friday)

Water Crossings

Lots, but all passable.

Wildlife

None!

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 Notch Rec Path, Bushwhack, Liberty Spring Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Patches of ice that are easily avoidable just before Liberty Spring Campsite up to Franconia Ridge junction. Franconia Ridge Trail over Liberty to Flume is a mix of narrow balance beam monorail and bare ground. The most pronounced and prolonged monorail is the final 0.2 push up to Flume's summit, over two feet deep in places. I wore rock spikes between peaks, studs would be fine too, or you could pick your way up and down without traction with the help of poles. Nice day on Liberty and Flume, the high clouds made for some pretty great 360 degree views. About a dozen or so happy hikers out and about. Sarge had a blast rolling around on top of the dirty snow.

Parking

Plenty of parking at Basin parking off 93 North

Water Crossings

Easy rock hop

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

Notes

Two hikers from Quebec became disoriented on Franconia Ridge Trail between Mount Liberty and Little Haystack Mountain in darkness and knee-deep snow while using the All Trails App for navigation. Conservation Officers convinced them to turn back and assisted them down 2.2 miles of steep icy trail, exiting safely at 2:22 a.m. without injuries.

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

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

Liberty Springs Trail, LW Trail

Equipment

Notes

Part of a 4-day hiking push. Gorgeous ridge views. NH Conservation Officer was investigating a bear incident from a few days prior.

Parking

Liberty Springs trailhead - NH Conservation Officer truck was parked on bike path at bottom

Wildlife

Pemi bear has been harassing hikers and shaking down campers. A group camping at Liberty Springs two nights ago had an encounter with the bear. Officer was investigating bear incident. Hikers believed bear had been killed but reporter skeptical of that claim.

Trails Used

Bike Path, Liberty Springs Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The Liberty Springs Trail is a mix of dry trail and wet trail below 3,000' with snow patches up to 3,500' and full snow above 3,500'. Definitely still Winter above treeline, the snow on the Franconia Ridge Trail is still stable and firm, the summit itself is exposed bare rock. As a side note we came across an abandoned and bear-infiltrated tent at the Liberty Springs tent site. People had clearly fled in a rush, leaving behind significant food debris and personal items and what is now a wrecked tent and other items. Please remember it's bear season and be cautious and deliberate about food storage - bear canisters are now required in the Pemi Wilderness for overnight stays.

Parking

Parked at the Basin, restrooms still closed

Water Crossings

Cascade Brook was rock hoppable without any issue.

Trails Used

Bike Path, Liberty Springs Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I was surprised to find that the bike path still had some areas of snow and ice but they can be gone around. I started with bare ground and rocks but the first 1.5 miles or so of Liberty Springs trail is a total stream, complete with waterfalls. I put spikes on around mile 1.25 or so. It was right where the monorail starts in earnest. The monorail is seriously being undermined by the sheer amount of water running under it so any thinner spots of ice and/or packed snow are breakable. I broke them all. There were some areas of just bare rock with flowing water that I just hiked up with my spikes on. Closer to the Liberty Springs tent site things became better with packed snow and blue ice. The ice mostly was grippy but there are still sections that are bullet proof. At the junction of the Franconia Ridge trail the monorail was initially less pronounced but I managed to find it and stay on it. The summit of Liberty is bare rock. The trail between Liberty and Flume was less hard packed. Being the size of an average 5th grader paid off well here. I stayed right on top with no postholing but if you are larger than I am, you may have a very tough time on this stretch. The warmer temps were softening things up on my way out making the trail a little slushy. Start early if you can and have a good sense of humor. This can either a totally miserable hike or a really fun one where you splash through all the water and mud and call it a great day that is far better than one spent sitting on the couch. I am definitely in the latter category.

Parking

I parked at the Basin where there was plenty of room and took the bike path. Restrooms are still closed.

Water Crossings

All but #3 are rock hoppable sort of. #3 was running high and fast. I wasted a good 15 minutes going up and down the bank trying to scout out a better way to cross. There wasn't one. I adjusted my gridiot crown and used submerged rocks to cross. This would not have been doable without poles too for stability. That water was moving. On the return the levels were higher and faster as I expected so I used the same path but had to use more submerged rocks. If water crossings are not your thing, you may want to wait for these levels to drop.

Wildlife

No longer in Hell. UGH. They hung out with me on Flume as I ate my lunch. Uninvited to do so I might add.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Basin Bushwhack, Liberty Spring Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail is a mix of bare ground, mud, standing water, old snow, and minor ice until about 2300' feet, bare boots are best. The rest of the way is mostly hard snow or ice, I used microspikes up and Hillsounds down so I could move faster as it was early morning and conditions had not softened up yet, but microspikes roundtrip from 2300' are fine, especially when it gets above freezing.

Parking

Plenty of parking at the Basin lot

Water Crossings

Easily rock hopable at the moment, watch for glaze ice early in the morning.

Trails Used

Whitehouse Trail, Liberty Springs Trial, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Started out in spikes from the parking lot and kept them on all day. Snow covered trails to ice to dirt covered trails. A lot of running water. The monorail is very narrow in places and non-existent in others. It's easy to posthole if you move off of the monorail. Once we crossed the water we had continuous snow all the way to Flume. There were a lot of people on the trail.

Parking

Whitehouse Trail Parking Lot holds a lot of cars and there's a bathroom! $5 parking fee

Water Crossings

Water crossings (Pemi and Cascade) were doable though we needed to cross on a few submerged rocks. Poles definitely came in handy for balance.

Wildlife

Not that I noticed

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

Liberty Springs

Trail Conditions

Notes

Cold in the morning. Snowed at the first summit. Winds weren't bad. Beautiful views from both summits, with views improving by Liberty on the return.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Black Pond Trail, bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Lincoln Woods is an icefest for the first 1/2 mile. Then it gets better. I barebooted by staying to the sides. Barebooted Osseo to the ladder section. Some areas of bare trail down low. Ladders are still covered. Spiked up here. K10’s would have been better, but I put on spikes and didn’t feel like swapping. Not enough bite with spikes for the slope angle. And it’s pretty firm. More unconsolidated after the ladders, but no need for snowshoes. Between the peaks was well packed. Out to Owl’s Head I barebooted until the climb, then K10s, which were preferred. Brutus is so steep, and the extra bite was helpful. Thin cover, and firm with ice until up high. Once back down I barebooted all the way out. Leave the snowshoes in the car.

Water Crossings

Both Owl’s Head crossings were bridge hops. Bridges are barely holding on.

Trails Used

Bike path, Liberty Spring Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Excellent trail conditions today. Hillsounds went on for tricky water crossing and stayed on until parking lot. No one wore snowshoes today and no one was postholing it appeared. Conditions should be stellar early tomorrow but with rapid warmup incoming snowshoes will be necessary very soon, possibly by tomorrow afternoon. Only ice was small patches before water crossings. Zero ice on steeps or ridge. Chilly day with abundant sunshine and stellar views.

Parking

Basin lot is well maintained

Water Crossings

Main crossing is rock hoppable with care. Some rocks were icy. Poles helped tremendously. Not the easiest, but my eight-year old did it, so you can also!

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.