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PARKS
White Mountain National Forest -
Old Bridle Path - Falling Waters Trail

This very rigorous, 8.7 mile loop is for experienced hikers only. The full day hike ascends Falling Waters Trail to Little Haystack Mountain and Franconia Ridge, continuing north on the ridge to Mt. Lafayette and descending via the Greenleaf Trail and Old Bridle Path back to the trailhead.

The Franconia Ridge Trail is a link in the Appalachian Trail and is above treeline. Please walk on the defined path between the rock walls on the Ridge Trail. The scree walls are built to alleviate erosion and protect fragile tundra vegetation from hiker traffic. Mt. Lafayette and Franconia Ridge are subject to severe weather year-round. Be prepared for cold, windy, wet conditions. Bring along rain gear and extra warm clothing. Check the weather before heading up the ridge.

Old Bridle Path

The trail begins at 1770 feet and ends at the junction of Greenleaf Trail and the Greenleaf Hut, 2.9 miles and 2430 feet above the starting point. The Old Bridle Path steadily climbs the western flank of Mt. Lafayette through a beautiful northern hardwood forest. At 1.9 miles, there are spectacular views east to Mt. Lafayette, Franconia Ridge, and Walker Ravine. (The cascading water heard from these ledges is Walker Brook.) As the Path ascends Agony Ridge, it passes through a spruce-fir forest. Sections of the trail are steep, rocky, and slippery when wet. To reach the summit of Mt. Lafayette, follow the Greenleaf Trail for 1.1 miles above the hut. Most of the Greenleaf Trail is above treeline as it ascends the cone of Mt. Lafayette.

There is no reliable water source between the trailhead and Greenleaf Hut.

Old Bridle Path served as a pony trail from the notch to the Old Summit House that once provided shelter for early climbers. Only the house's foundation remains.

Old Bridle Path has also provided a route up Mt. Lafayette for over a century. Mt. Lafayette, once known as Great Haystack, is the highest peak in the Franconia Range at 5260 feet. The peak is named after the French statesman and American Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette.

The Path ends at the Greenleaf Hut, operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club under a Special Use Permit issued by the USDA Forest Service. This backcountry facility offers meals and lodging to the public.

Falling Waters Trail

The Falling Waters Trail is a direct and steep route to Little Haystack Mountain and the Franconia Ridge Trail. The trail ends just below the 4760 feet summit at 3.2 miles. There are three sets of waterfalls along this trail:

• Stairs Falls at 0.9 mile
• Swiftwater Falls at 1.0 mile
• Cloudland Falls at 1.4 miles

A short side trail at 2.8 miles leads to the base of Shining Rock Cliff with westerly views.

EXERCISE CAUTION ALONG THE SLIPPERY LEDGE OF THE FALLS!

Camping Regulations: Some of the Bridle Path is within the boundary of Franconia Notch State Park. There is absolutely no camping within the State Park Boundary except for Lafayette Campground.

The section of the Bridle Path located within the National Forest is unlevel and unsuitable for camping. Do not camp on the Bridle Path. Alternatives include staying at Greenleaf Hut or camping off the Greenleaf Trail or Falling Waters Trail in compliance with the following:

• Camping and fires are prohibited above treeline, within 1/4 mile of the Hut, and within 200 feet of the trails.
• Fire permits are not required to use wood or charcoal fires within non-restricted areas. However, fines and suppression costs may be imposed for any fires that escape.

Access: From Rte. 3 in Franconia Notch State Park. Parking is available at or across from Lafayette Campground.

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[from Outside magazine]