Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette

I hiked Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette on June 26, 2010 with my cousin Jillian. Even though all 3 of those mountains are above 4,000 feet tall, only the second 2 count as NH 4,000 footers because the prominence of Little Haystack Mountain is below 200 feet.

It was a nice day when we arrived in the White Mountains, and remained nice almost all the way to the summits. At the top, it was raining, very windy, very foggy, and even hailing!! It was so difficult to see, that we actually hiked right over the 1st two mountains to the third one, not knowing we made it to the first 2! Which was good news to us, to know we had made it that far already.

Mount Lincoln = 5,089 feet
Mount Lafayette = 4,760 feet

• Start time = 9:30 am
• End time = 6:30 pm
• Total hike time = 9 hours*
• Total miles = 9 miles
• Rating = Difficult
• Extras = Cascades, Waterfalls, Hut, Brook

* Hiking times include all breaks, stops and sitting at the summits for about 20 minutes.

Route Summary = This loop hike begins and ends at the Lafayette Parking area. You begin on Falling Waters Trail, which is also called Old Bridle Path for the first .02 miles. After the .02 miles, turn left to stay on Falling Waters Trail. Continue for 3.2 miles until you find yourself on the summit of Little Haystack Mountain (4,760 feet). From the summit of Little Haystack Mountain, turn left onto the Franconia Ridge Trail, and continue for .07 miles to the summit of Lincoln Mountain. Continue on the same path for .09 miles to the summit of Mount Lafayette. From the summit, turn left onto the Greenleaf Trail, and continue for 1.1 miles which will bring you to the Greenleaf Hut. Turn left to go on Old Bridle Path and follow for 2.9 miles back to the parking lot.

I would certainly recommend this hike to anyone who wants to see 360 degree views and be able to hike 3 mountains in 9 hours. Even though we couldn't see any views because of the rain, fog and hail, I know they are amazing! There is also a .02 mile trail leading to Shining Rock, which is pretty cool to see. This hike is a bit tough on the way down with lots of rock scrambling, so be prepared.