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Trail Conditions: Falling Waters was exceedingly wet, and the water crossings were substanially more difficult than I remembered them to be. Ascending over the slippery rock slabs (many of which had streams of water running right down them) required a lot of care and patience. Franconia Ridge was relatively dry and easy to traverse - as always, a fantastic trail. Greenleaf trail to the hut wasn't bad at all (somewhat muddy in places). Old Bridle Path had a few muddy spots, but was nice and dry towards the bottom.
Special Equipment Required: Poles, gaiters, good judgement, and lots of caution on the wet rocks!
Comments: Perhaps it was just my frame of mind today, but I was not a happy camper going up Falling Waters. For the first time this season, I needed to break out my poles in order to successfully navigate the water crossings. I honestly think I would have turned back, had I not known that the trail becomes quite a bit less rocky (and therefore less slippery) as one ascends it. However, upon arriving at the summit of Little Haystack, all of my initial nervousness quickly disappeared. Even though the entirety of Franconia Ridge was enveloped by clouds, there was no wind to speak of and the trail was really quite dry... which made for a surprisingly unique and pleasant traverse! The fact that I was not going to have to descend Falling Waters made me a good deal happier as well...
There were quite a few people on the summit of Lafayette, and lots of hiking groups making their way up Greenleaf/OBP as I descended. While the top section of OBP was a little slippery, it seemed to dry out considerably as I made my way down... and much to my surprise, even though I really took my time during the ascent, I was still able to complete the loop in 5 hours.
Larisa
larisa.dannis(at)gmail.com
Special Equipment Required: Poles, gaiters, good judgement, and lots of caution on the wet rocks!
Comments: Perhaps it was just my frame of mind today, but I was not a happy camper going up Falling Waters. For the first time this season, I needed to break out my poles in order to successfully navigate the water crossings. I honestly think I would have turned back, had I not known that the trail becomes quite a bit less rocky (and therefore less slippery) as one ascends it. However, upon arriving at the summit of Little Haystack, all of my initial nervousness quickly disappeared. Even though the entirety of Franconia Ridge was enveloped by clouds, there was no wind to speak of and the trail was really quite dry... which made for a surprisingly unique and pleasant traverse! The fact that I was not going to have to descend Falling Waters made me a good deal happier as well...
There were quite a few people on the summit of Lafayette, and lots of hiking groups making their way up Greenleaf/OBP as I descended. While the top section of OBP was a little slippery, it seemed to dry out considerably as I made my way down... and much to my surprise, even though I really took my time during the ascent, I was still able to complete the loop in 5 hours.
Larisa
larisa.dannis(at)gmail.com
