Old Bridle Path Trailhead — Attraction in Lincoln

The Mt. Lafeyette Loop was easily one of the most beautiful sets of trails on which I have ever set foot (Falling Waters to Franconia Ridge to Old Bridle Path). I had been hearing a lot about this trail, but didn't think it would live up to the hype -- it definitely did. Started my hike up the Falling Waters Trail at 5:30am and made it to the ridge after 1.5-2.0 hours. It is rocky and pretty much all uphill, so be prepared with good boots and lots of water (I agree with the hard/strenuous rating for the Falling Waters Trail). Up on the ridge (which is above treeline), it was 31F with a windchill of 9F, average windspeed 51mph, but clear skies -- which made it worth it. Take your time when you're up on the ridge -- it's not hard, but there's so much to see and take in, there's no reason to rush to the top of Lafeyette (great surrounding views of all the Whites and the Presedential Range). Descended via Old Bridle Path; the Hut was about half-way down and had warm coffee/tea if you bring cash. Can't recommend this trail enough -- if you're visiting the Whites,...

Mt Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop. I definitely recommend hiking up the Old Bridle Path and Greenleaf Trail to Mt Lafayette first and then descending on the Falling Water Trail. Falling Water Trail is much steeper and fairly strenuous. Descending the trail was a little tough so I can only imagine how hard it is to climb it up. Otherwise, great hike over 3 peaks and beautiful views. The Greenleaf Hut is a good spot to get a refill on water, eat lunch, and use the bathrooms. It’s a 1.1 mile push from the hut to the summit of Mt. Lafayette that includes a steady incline, but totally worth it when you reach the top. The ridge hike is amazing, definitely take your time up there because the views are incredible. The ridge hike is about 1.7 miles and you can come down on the Falling Waters Trail. Not going to lie, that trail sucks but there is a waterfall at the bottom so I guess that makes it worth it. Otherwise pretty strenuous, slippery rocks, and an...

The top trail in the Northeast! The trail is excellent as it is right off the highway and if you include the loop allows easy access to several climate zones. At the bottom the broadleaf New England forests, the pines in the middle and then low pines near treeline. There is also a waterfall, cascades, and ridge above treeline. In my opinion it is actually easier to come up the north route along the olde bridle path and down falling waters. This is strikingly true in winter where the wind will be more at your back along the ridge. Falling waters trail is easier to go down in both summer and winter. In summer it has more dirt and less rocks, and in winter it is protected from the wind so it has more snow. The only downside of this method is when it is busy you will be going the opposite way of everyone. The early morning is the best time to avoid crowds in the busy season and get above the...