Franconia Ridge Loop | Trail Guide, Hiking Stats & Photos

Hikers will traverse the National Forest’s second highest range of peaks and reach the summit of three mountains. A long stretch of the hike is above the treeline, offering beautiful views over the park’s expanse of forested ridges. On a clear day, hikers can look out across Maine, Vermont, and even Quebec. While the Franconia Ridge Loop is a task for prepared and strong-willed hikers, you do not need an extensive amount of experience to complete this loop.

Franconia Ridge Loop Hiking Stats

Distance: 8.27 miles (13.3 km) loop
Total Ascent: 4,154 feet (1,266 meters)
Lowest Elevation: 1,790 feet (545 meters)
Highest Elevation: 5,248 feet (1,600 meters)
Average Time: 6-9 Hours. We completed the hike in 6 hours, but we hiked fast and did not take many breaks.
When to Go: Though you can do this hike at any time of the year, the best time is from May to September when the weather is warmest and the skies are the sunniest. The top of the ridge gets cold and breezy, even in the heat of summer. If hiking this in the fall, make sure to bring a warm layer.
Best Time of Day: We recommend that you begin the hike early in the morning, so that you have plenty of time to complete it and beat the crowds. We began at 9 am, and already the trail was crowded and parking was scarce.

Franconia Ridge Loop Hiking Guide

Which Direction Should You Go?

Since this hike is done as a loop, you can do it in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. We did this hike in a counter clockwise direction, since that is the most typical way to do this hike and slightly easier than the clockwise direction.

The Franconia Ridge Loop starts up the Falling Waters Trail, and then along the Franconia Ridge Trail, the Greenleaf Trail, and Old Bridle Path. The Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridle Path meet at the same parking lot, creating a perfect loop.

Some hikers prefer to hike this loop in the clockwise direction by starting on the Old Bridle Path. Completing the loop this way calls for a steep ascent to the top of Mt. Lafayette, but hikers will enjoy a slightly more gradual descent. If you prefer this method, then begin with the Old Bridle Path and follow this guide in the opposite direction.

Franconia Ridge Loop Trailhead & Parking

The parking area where the Falling Waters and Old Bridle Path trailheads converge doesn’t have an official name. If you’re using Google Maps, searching for “Old Bridle Path trailhead” will guide you to the correct spot (here are the GPS coordinates: 44°08’31.8″N 71°40’53.6″W).

You’ll also find road signs on Route 93 that direct you to the trailhead parking area. This parking lot is accessible at any time of day and in 2023, there was no parking fee. It’s advisable to arrive early in the morning; by 9 am in August the lot was mostly occupied.

Across Route 93 is Lafayette Place Parking, an alternative parking area if the Trailhead parking is full.

There is also a hiker shuttle that runs to the trailhead, a good option if you can’t get to the trailhead early. Park at the Peabody Big Lot to ride the shuttle to the trailhead. The shuttle starts running at 8 am and there is a small fee to ride the shuttle, cash only. The shuttle runs on weekends and holidays from late May through mid-October. Get more information on the Franconia Notch State Park website.

Parking lot trailhead

Franconia Ridge Loop Trail

Step-By-Step Hiking Guide

Falling Waters Trail

We began our hike on the Falling Waters Trail, a path aptly named for its location along a rushing stream. This trail is 3.4 miles long and takes hikers to the peak of Little Haystack Mountain, the smallest of three summits in the Franconia Ridge Loop.

The first half of the Falling Waters Trail winds through the woods and leads past rushing waterfalls. Hikers will walk up and over large slick rocks and will hop across stones to cross shallow streams. The beauty of the rushing falls, and the exciting terrain, made this section of the hike fun, yet slow-going.

As the trail continues, the incline becomes steeper. The last mile of the Falling Waters Trail is a hard climb, what I would consider the most challenging uphill section of the hike.

After the steep climb, hikers reach the summit of Little Haystack and are greeted with an awe-inspiring view over the White Mountains.

Final ascent of the Falling Waters Trail

Franconia Ridge Trail

Beyond the summit of Little Haystack, hikers progress along the Franconia Ridge Trail. This trail consistently stays above the tree line, guiding hikers to the summits of both Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette. Personally, the ridge hike stood out as my favorite section. It presents an opportunity to relish stunning vistas of the wooded peaks that stretch across the landscape.

The Franconia Ridge Trail is also the easiest section of the hike, as the trail winds up and down at a relatively gradual slope. The ridge is cold and windy, even in the summer months, so I recommend you bring a warm jacket for this section of the hike.

Trail to the peak of Mt. Lincoln

Hiking to the peak of Mt. Lincoln

Hiking to the peak of Mt. Lafayette

Green Leaf Trail & Old Bridle Path

After reaching Mt. Lafayette hikers begin the descent via the Green Leaf Trail. This downward path is steep and slow-going, necessitating hikers to exercise caution as they maneuver through the rocky terrain.

The Green Leaf Trail ends at the Green Leaf Hut, a mountain cabin that offers snacks, merchandise, and water refills for day hikers.

Green Leaf Hut

At Green Leaf Hut hikers will reach the Old Bridle Path, a 3-mile-long trail that descends to the parking lot. The first mile of descent remains steep, but as the trail continues the path becomes more gradual, allowing hikers to move more quickly. While traversing the Old Bridle Path, you’ll encounter some remarkable vantage points that offer captivating views of Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette.

Descending down the Old Bridle Path

What to Bring on the Franconia Ridge Loop

Hiking shoes. We recommend wearing hiking shoes for this hike. The trail is rough and uneven in a lot of places and you will occasionally hike on smooth rocks, which can be very slippery. Hiking shoes will give you added traction which will be very helpful on this hike.

Water. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.

Food. This hike may take anywhere from 6-8 hours. Bring snacks and a packed lunch.

Jacket. The hike along the top of the ridge is chilly and windy, even in the summer months.

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Along the top of the ridge, the hiking trail is completely exposed to the sun.

How Hard is the Franconia Ridge Loop?

We saw people of all ages completing this hike. While it is a difficult and steep trail, it is doable for strong-willed and fit hikers. It is best to have some prior mountaineering experience to know if this trail is possible for you, but you do not need to have an extensive background. The trail is easy to follow and we saw a lot of people on this hike. The trail is also open to pets!

View from the Franconia Ridge Trail

If you have any questions about how to hike the Franconia Ridge Loop, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to New England

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Don’t miss our guide to Franconia Notch State Park, which lists more great things to do in the park. And here are 10 great stops along the Kancamagus Highway.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Acadia National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park. Go off the beaten path and explore Isle au Haut.

NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP: Visit Cape Cod, coastal Maine, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and more in this 12 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary.

MAINE: Don’t miss our article about the best things to do in Cape Elizabeth and our guide to Portland.

NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries.