Franconia Ridge Trail Question

[peakbagger-paul]

Does anyone know whether the Franconia Ridge Trail between Little Haystack and the Liberty Spring Trail is likely to be broken out, or is it pretty much unused in the winter? Thanks.

 

[NH_Mtn_Hiker]

Edited out because I misread the question.

Edit:
This late in the season you're likely to find more ice than snow between Little Haystack and Lafayette.

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

Duffy and I were up there last Monday. We went up the Liberty Spring trail and over to Flume. The day before, I know from a trail report, someone had done the same hike. The trail was well broken out up to Franconia Ridge. When we reached the ridge the broken out trail completely disappeared. There was no sign of a broken out trail in either direction. Over night the trail had drifted in over to Flume. I saw no signs of ice except right at the top of the two peaks. My guess for the stretch you have asked about is that if you can stay on the trail the snow will probably be only 6 to 10 inches deep. If you step off the trail it will be much deeper. The Liberty Spring trail will probably be broken out.

 

[NH_Mtn_Hiker]

I misread his question: I thought he said Little Haystack and Lafayette.

The area up there on the ridge that's below tree line(south of Little Haystack) receives lots of blown-in snow.

 

[SkierSteve]

I was on the ridge this past Saturday, 3/24. Although I came up falling waters, I met a group of three who spent Friday night @ Liberty Springs. They said the ridge trail from Springs Junction to Haystack was well consolidated with spotty drifting. Hope this helps.

 

[rocksnrolls]

Rolly and I hiked that section a few weeks ago. There was alot of fresh snow, maybe 2-3 feet, with a firm pack under it. So that section does get some traffic, just not near as much as the rest of the ridge. Whenever we strayed from the path we sunk in pretty good

 

[RoySwkr]

Does anyone know whether the Franconia Ridge Trail between Little Haystack and the Liberty Spring Trail is likely to be broken out, or is it pretty much unused in the winter? Thanks.

It is not as heavily used as the trail either way, but there are 2 groups that do it regularly:
* campers at Liberty Spring
* speed hikers doing all 4 peaks in a day

There may be people trying to hike the AT in winter but I'd guess not many

 

[bryan]

hiked that section this time last year. found a mix of packed and drifted snow. this year may differ, but i assume it would have gotten roughly the same use. cetainly much more packed out once the liberty spring junction is reached.

bryan