| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Lafayette, Lincoln, Liberty, Flume, Whaleback, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf, Franconia Ridge, Liberty Springs, Bushwhack, Bike Path |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Half full Lafayette campground lot at 9am |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing to worry about, but then again I didn't take Falling Water |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A couple of 8" blow downs about 1.2 miles in on Liberty Springs |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
This is where I'm supposed to rant about all the work done on Old Bridle Path and Falling Waters, while somehow arguing that roots and rocks are an asset that protect people from themselves, and also work in nostalgia that is clearly inaccurate, right? Well, since I once lead an unsuccessful charge to disband an ineffective historic district, it's unlikely that you'll hear such nonsense from me.
The Old Bridle Path work is outstanding. I'm not used to all those steps and flat sections, but the effort and planning that went in to them are certainly paying off. A huge thanks to the massive amounts of time, money and effort that have gone into improving conditions so all of us can enjoy them.
With that unnecessary strike out of the way, here's the details you really care about:
-Mud starts around 3,000 feet but is mostly avoidable
-Ice starts around 4,000 feet and is mostly avoidable, but there are some tricky spots around the hut
-The ridge is in really, really good shape and should be until the next weather event comes through
-The trail all the way to Flume is also in very good shape
-Liberty Springs is leafy with the normal ankle biters. Go slow and you'll be fine.
Today was a blue bird day with perfect autumn weather on the ridge |
|
 | Name: |
Chad |
|
 | E-Mail: |
chadwik66@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-20 |
|
 | Link: |
 https://www.instagram.com/p/DeutrWVGfR5/?img_index=1 |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
