I had spent the remainder of the winter and spring of 2023 focusing on physical training and building a cardio base. Trail running in the state parks, bouldering at the gym, occasionally lifting or getting out on the bicycle.

Returning to the White Mountains, I was curious what I might be able to accomplish in the Summer and wanted to experience some of the iconic terrain I’m so privileged to have access to. I thought the Franconia Ridge would be an excellent choice.

Franconia Ridge Traverse – 9 hr, 15.25 mi, 4800 ft ascent

Conditions would be 70 – 80 F with potential for high winds or afternoon storms along the exposed ridge. I would go after this in an ultra run style with trail runners and poles, a 15L vest style pack stuffed with 2L of water, food, light rain shell and pants, EPIRB, and a small emergency kit.

I would ascend the Liberty Springs trail, tag the Liberty summit, then head North across the ridge towards Mt. Lafayette and descend via the Greenleaf spur. From there I would need to return to the visitor center via the Pemi Trail and the Multi-use path.

The Distinctive Summit Block of Mt. Liberty

Setting out from the visitor center early on a weekend morning I followed the path out to the Liberty Springs trailhead and commenced to crushing. My tactic was to stay in control of the long steady effort, knowing that much more lay ahead.

The vert was heavy and the trail was rugged but I felt good sinking in to the work. Reaching the ridge, I started heading South to tag the summit of Mt. Liberty. Some brief easy rock scrambling is required around the distinctive summit formation.

Pausing on the summit I hung my shirt on my pack to dry, had water and food, then proceeded North along the ridge towards Mt. Lafayette. The trail was pretty moderate in this stretch between Liberty and Little Haystack so I ran large portions of it.

Class 2 and 3 rock on the Franconia Ridge

Beyond Little Haystack the character of the trail changes and things become a touch more alpine. Each successive peak involves a short scramble over a rocky hump. The narrow, exposed, path makes me want to run and I manage a few short sections.

Franconia Ridge Trail

It isn’t hard to see why the Franconia Ridge trail is such a popular route. However, I think it’s important to stress that this area faces intense pressure from human travelers. It’s critical to follow the hardened trail to the best of your ability and stay out of any fenced off areas. If you choose to come here please follow the principals of Leave No Trace.

At the summit of Lafayette I stopped for a moment, had the last of my water, and carefully pointed myself down the spur towards the Greenleaf Hut. The descent was mostly talus down to the hut where the trail re-enters the forest.

Descent from Mt. Lafayette on the Old Bridle Path with the Greenleaf Hut in the distance

At the hut I filled up my water bottles and had an energy gel then pushed on down the spur, pausing briefly to take in the incredible views of the mountain peaks I had just traversed. As of summer 2024, extensive trail work has been undertaken on the lower sections of the Old Bridle Path. A big thank you to the trail crews who took part in this.

The plush trail and downhill slope had me running again, in the flow, intense feelings of gratitude and discovery, holding back tears of joy. I continued on through the campground and joined the Pemi trail that runs along the valley floor. As I the reached the visitor center, my legs were cooked and I was super satisfied with my little traverse.