Winter Hike up Mount Lafayette

Franconia, New Hampshire

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Details

Distance

9 miles

Elevation Gain

3900 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Danielle Tourigny

Mount Lafayette has some of the best views of the 4000footers in the White Mountains, and it's right off 93 which means it's only 2 hours from Boston.

To start this hike, you can park right at the trailhead in a parking lot off of 93. This is a hike up a mountain so the entire hike is pretty challenging. There is a total elevation gain of 3900 feet in about 4.5 miles. A couple miles in you break through the treeline and then from there the views are incredible. There is a ridgeline to walk along and you have a great view of the summit of Lafayette the rest of the way up.

On the way to the summit you will pass by the Appalachian Mountain Club's Greenleaf Hut. Although the hut is closed in winter, it provides a great photography opportunity! Beyond the hut it starts to get extremely icy and windy, so just be prepared.

The hike down was fun and quick because conditions were great and we got to slide down almost the entire way on our butts. Check out the conditions and plan accordingly! Here's a link to the New England snow depth map. More than 20 inches of snow makes for great snowshoeing conditions.

If you are an experienced hiker and have the right gear, this hike is something you should definitely experience! The serenity of this mountain in the winter is incomparable.

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Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Scenic

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