Lafayette place outhouses blocked off

[peakbagger]

For those hiking out of either Lafayette parking lot, south or north. The outhouses on either side are blocked off so they can not be used. I guess that the holding tanks are full but the pump trucks can not get up to them.

Given the popularity of these parking lots I expect the woods surrounding the parking lot are going to become a public toilet and definitely not leave no trace.

 

[CaptCaper]

One more reason I don't frequent all of these crowded areas any more... 4k this 4 k that.. done with it all...off and running to places few go but still have the beauty and quiet freedom. Just like years ago in ole NH. Getting to fussy in my ole age. Moved here from Ma and now moved from the 4k's.

 

[sierra]

Given the traffic this area gets, I agree with peakbagger it's going to get ugly. A porta pottie or two could go along way. In regards to the Ridge, last summer may be the first summer, I did not traverse the ridge. I cannot imagine pulling over and joining the hundreds of people in a conga line on those trails, I actually laugh when I drive by at the amount of car's lining the highway.

 

[peakbagger]

I do the ridge frequently. Irrespective of the outhouse, its a matter of timing. Start early (preferably at or before 7AM). The trail and ridge is usually empty until just about Lincoln and then I start seeing early folks coming up Falling Waters. It gets crowded heading down passing folks heading up on Falling Waters.

This pretty well applies to all the popular hiking trails. Most folks shoot for noon summits, plan for a summit before 11 AM and I usually have it to myself.

 

[sierra]

I basically climb 4k's and I actually like seeing people, so does my dog. As a soloist, I find it enjoyable to meet and chat with people I meet. The gridders ignore me, but that's ok, their a little uppity for me anyway. Maybe I will do it early this year, been wanting to do a sunrise hike on Lafeyette.

 

[miehoff]

One more reason I don't frequent all of these crowded areas any more... 4k this 4 k that.. done with it all...off and running to places few go but still have the beauty and quiet freedom. Just like years ago in ole NH. Getting to fussy in my ole age. Moved here from Ma and now moved from the 4k's.

Yup. I don't much get the 4K craze either. How about just enjoying the outdoors with a bit of challenge? I think I have two peaks left to get my "patch," but I really don't care much. I am probably closer to "redlining" than anything.

 

[Stan]

There are lots of other mountains and we've hiked plenty of them since we completed the NE 100 ... I'd say we were liberated from the 4K obsession which we readily and enjoyably admit to. Still, the Whites are indeed beautiful and, not to be discouraged by crowds, nice to go back to once in a while. Weekdays are more bearable and so is black fly season. Aside from the parking, I've never had a hassle with lots of people but, all in all, I can deal better with black flies!

 

[Stan]

... oh, and about the outhouses. I wonder if it would ever occur to the WMNF bureacracy that the draw of this late winter's conditions might place a strain on some facilities and therefore they might call for a bit more frequent cleaning. I can't believe they don't have patrols that could spot this trend and/or the problems. Opening other campgrounds earlier might be a consideration, too.

 

[TJsName]

One more reason I don't frequent all of these crowded areas any more... 4k this 4 k that.. done with it all...off and running to places few go but still have the beauty and quiet freedom. Just like years ago in ole NH. Getting to fussy in my ole age. Moved here from Ma and now moved from the 4k's.

Your avatar suggests otherwise. I totally get the sentiment. One of the biggest perks of redlining is traveling to tons of remote places that aren't overrun. When you compare popular trails to 4k peaks vs less common trails, it's night and day in terms of the footing. It seems that the '48' lists intention to drive traffic from the Presi's and Francnoia Ridge worked, but promotion of other 'lists' (like 52 with a view or Redlining) might help disperse people a little more.

 

[CaptCaper]

Your avatar suggests otherwise. I totally get the sentiment. One of the biggest perks of redlining is traveling to tons of remote places that aren't overrun. When you compare popular trails to 4k peaks vs less common trails, it's night and day in terms of the footing. It seems that the '48' lists intention to drive traffic from the Presi's and Francnoia Ridge worked, but promotion of other 'lists' (like 52 with a view or Redlining) might help disperse people a little more.

Actually the photo was taken from front of the Cog coach...when I was working that day. Didn't have a digital when I hiked MW.
Nice to be able to move on in life were I just enjoy a nice quiet hike with my dog and wife. Laid back waterfalls etc. Dry River is a recent favorite on a hot day since it reopened. No one use's it much.
Like I said I moved off the Cape because it got too crazy and lost it self in my long life.. Don't miss the Ocean..2 of my sons' live in Maui. They can have it. No more Paradise... see this....http://www.to-hawaii.com/troubles.php
Where as on the crowded trails I always get crap from someone about my so gentle never in a fight 90lb Golden. Who has grown up free here on my 3 acres in the woods and hiked 4k's etc. free as a bird over the years.

 

[Snowflea]

... oh, and about the outhouses. I wonder if it would ever occur to the WMNF bureacracy that the draw of this late winter's conditions might place a strain on some facilities and therefore they might call for a bit more frequent cleaning.

The OBP/FWT parking lot falls within the auspices of Franconia Notch State Park and not USFS, no?

Sierra, I would never ignore you.

 

[sierra]

Sierra, I would never ignore you. [/QUOTE]


Right on!! I'm really not a bad guy, jees. I remember hiking along side of one of the " Big " names for a stretch, we were both solo. He said " I'm a few from hitting 1000 4k's " I said, ' That's cool" He asked me my count, when I told him he looked insulted, like I pooped on his parade I then just moved on. I get no respect.