Ladies do Lafayette

This past Saturday, Emily and I hiked Mt. Lafayette up by Franconia Notch in New Hampshire. Lafayette is one of the most popular mountains to hike in the Whites, so we had decided to take some lesser-known trails up and down it. Our route was the following: up the Skookumchuck trail to the Garfield Ridge trail, which we would follow to the summit, and then descend via the Greenleaf trail. In order to complete the loop, we would have a 3 mile walk on a bike path back to the car.

The Skookumchuck trail was beautiful and without crowds.

We started out under cloudy skies, as we followed the Skookumchuck Brook gradually gaining elevation. The trees grew shorter as we climbed on, changing from a leafy forest to one of small scrubby pines and birch.

At the junction of the Skookumchuck and Garfield Ridge trails.

It began to clear as we descended Lafayette.

Upon reaching the tree line, we bundled up and followed the trail as it disappeared into the fog. The wind had picked up and was gusting quite strongly without any trees to serve as a windbreak. We made it to the summit, which was quite crowded despite the weather. After a quick snack, which we ate huddled down next to a rocky ledge, we headed down the Greenleaf trail. Despite our quick pace down, our hands were freezing from the damp cold wind and it took a while for us to warm back up.

Looking out: Lonesome Lake, Cannon Cliffs, and the AMC Greenleaf Hut.

Looking south from Franconia Notch.

We made it to the AMC Greenleaf Hut, and treated ourselves to multiple $1 cups of hot tea. We spent a good half an hour warming up, sipping on tea, and snacking to our hearts content. With warm, full bellies, we reluctantly left the hut behind us and continued down the Greenleaf trail leaving the crowds of people behind us.

Eagle Pass was very impressive.

It was a steep and rocky descent to Eagle Pass with it's huge boulders. Some snow had survived in the dark shadows, despite the warmer temperatures at the lower elevations. Soon we were able to hear the sound of the cars. After reaching the road, we followed the bike path as it wound through the notch and lead us back to our car (a most beautiful sight to behold!).