1/2 day Peaks Hikes from Franconia Notch/Lincoln ?

[Chip]

I'll be with the family at the Beacon in Lincoln (thanks Postr Boy) Feb 18 - 20 and am looking for a couple of close, short peaks loops.
How long should Lafayette, Lincoln and Little Haystack via old bridle, greenleaf and falling waters take ?
Also Liberty and Flume via liberty spring and flume slide ?
What else should I consider ? I may be by myself, will have all the gear and would like to be in and out in 6 hours or less.
Thanks

 

[Frodo]

I guess it comes down to "how fast do you hike?"

Both the Lincoln/Lafayette Loop and Flume Slide/Liberty Loop take about the same time in winter (though if there has been a recent heavy snowfall, the Flume Slide Trail would be brutal and dangerous). It also tends to be icy, so be prepared. Another (safer and probably faster) option is skipping Flume Slide and just do an out and back from Liberty.

If conditions are good and your in descent shape, both of those hikes are doable in 6 hours.

Other options are right across the Notch. Cannon or the Kinsmans.

 

[SherpaKroto]

Chip,
I'm thinking that Cannon is your best bet. If you find yourself running late you can hop the tram down so the family doesn't worry/wait (ok, everyone jump on me for that one!). Next choice would be Liberty.

You could also hit Tom and Field, up AZ to Tom Spur, across to Field and down Avalon. Webster Jackson is another. Both of these are a bit of a drive from Lincoln though.

If plans get messed up and you just want a nice little walk in the woods try Bald Mtn/Artist's Bluff. A very short hike (I'm guessing under 1.5 miles) but great views - best bang for the buck IMHO when you "need" a nice view The trail is found about 2/3 of the way left in the rear of the Cannon Parking lot for the Peabody Slopes. Mike P turned me on to that one and I;ve done it a number of times since.

 

[Chip]

I'd like to do the Lafayette Lincoln loop with an early start.
But I like the SherpaKroto options, I have no problem with bail out's and shorter hikes, especially if the weather's not cooperating and the wife and boys are in the heated pool.