U
Unregistered
Guest
Date of Hike: 12/26/2015
The usual family-friendly Franconia Ridge loop, up Falling Waters trail to Little Haystack, then Lincoln, Lafayette, down to Greenleaf and Old Bridle Path.
Dry down low. Water crossings were moderate to relatively high on Falling waters Trail. Hikers with poles crossed after some careful foot placements. Hikers without poles got wet feet. Logs at all crossings were coated in thin layer of ice.
Excellent footing on trail up to 4000ft. Some very isolated spots of black ice, and no blue ice down low.
Up higher there was an ice flow on Falling Waters, just below tree line, which covered the trail from edge to edge for about 50-60 feet. Microspikes or similar are needed for this segment only. Everything else was fine with just boots. Above treeline, zero snow or ice. Excellent footing. Light rime (less than 1") had formed on particularly exposed areas but posed no issues. Very fast hiking possible on the ridge. A second ice flow near Greenleaf Hut also requires traction.
Could not have asked for a better day. Light winds, moderate to downright warm temps (low 30s), and blue skies. Visibility was unlimited.
Special Equipment Required:
Poles and waterproof boots. Light traction (microspikes or similar) for the two isolated ice flows, but otherwise entirely unnecessary.
Overall conditions resembled mid-to-late autumn than winter conditions. Wonderful day for a hike!
Keith
[email protected]
The usual family-friendly Franconia Ridge loop, up Falling Waters trail to Little Haystack, then Lincoln, Lafayette, down to Greenleaf and Old Bridle Path.
Dry down low. Water crossings were moderate to relatively high on Falling waters Trail. Hikers with poles crossed after some careful foot placements. Hikers without poles got wet feet. Logs at all crossings were coated in thin layer of ice.
Excellent footing on trail up to 4000ft. Some very isolated spots of black ice, and no blue ice down low.
Up higher there was an ice flow on Falling Waters, just below tree line, which covered the trail from edge to edge for about 50-60 feet. Microspikes or similar are needed for this segment only. Everything else was fine with just boots. Above treeline, zero snow or ice. Excellent footing. Light rime (less than 1") had formed on particularly exposed areas but posed no issues. Very fast hiking possible on the ridge. A second ice flow near Greenleaf Hut also requires traction.
Could not have asked for a better day. Light winds, moderate to downright warm temps (low 30s), and blue skies. Visibility was unlimited.
Special Equipment Required:
Poles and waterproof boots. Light traction (microspikes or similar) for the two isolated ice flows, but otherwise entirely unnecessary.
Overall conditions resembled mid-to-late autumn than winter conditions. Wonderful day for a hike!
Keith
[email protected]
