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This trail leads from the I-93 Franconia Notch Parkway near Lafayette Campground to the AMC Greenleaf Hut, a popular summer destination for hikers. The upper part of the Greenleaf Trail can be used from there to reach the summit of Mt. Lafayette and other points in the Franconia Range. Note that there are many other former bridle paths in New Hampshire, including the Old Bridle Path on West Rattlesnake in Holderness.
As a loop together with the Falling Waters Trail, it is one of the classic hikes in New Hampshire, summer or winter. The loop distance is about 9.0 miles with an elevation gain of about 3800 feet.
Distance: To Greenleaf Hut, about 3.0 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 2400 feet on the ascent, minor on descent
Maps:
USGS Franconia
AMC Franconia-Pemigewasset or Moosilauke-Kinsman
Franconia Notch State Park hiking map, available at visitor centers
(online version)
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map H-6
DeLorme NHA&G 43-E/F12 - Lincoln/Franconia
The trail is located between exits 34A and 34B of I-93
Trailhead: Lafayette Place, I-93 Franconia Notch State Park Parkway, elevation about 1800 feet
44.1421°N, 71.6810°W (WGS84)
Northbound on I-93, go past exit 34A and exit at "Trailhead Parking" sign after The Basin
Southbound on I-93, go past exit 34B about 2.2 miles, exit at Lafayette Place and walk through underpass to other side of parkway
Currently no fee
Far End: Greenleaf Trail at Greenleaf Hut, elevation about 4220 feet
Owner: About the lowest mile in Franconia Notch State Park, remainder in White Mountain NF
Maintainer: Appalachian Mountain Club
Special regulations: No fires or camping anywhere in state park (except campground) or along trail in WMNF, distance affected varies
From the northbound parking lot, the combined Old Bridle Path/Falling Waters Trail circles R .2 mi. to Walker Brook, where Falling Waters Trail crosses a bridge R. Old Bridle Path continues uphill along the brook a short distance, then suddenly leaves the brook to the L and wanders uphill to the back side of the ridge which runs SSW from Greenleaf Hut. The trail gains the ridge crest up a couple of steep switchbacks and generally follows the ridge to the hut, with alternating steep and moderate sections. There are good views into Walker Ravine from outlooks and an occasional view across to Cannon Mountain; Lonesome Lake is visible from higher up. The trail ends at Greenleaf Hut, where meals and bunk space are available during summer months by advance reservation. Snacks and advice are available to all hikers when the hut is open. From the hut, it is about one mile with 1100 feet of elevation gain to the summit of Mt. Lafayette via the upper Greenleaf Trail. In the other direction, the Greenleaf Trail descends to the Cannon Mountain Ski Area.
Parking lot plowed in winter. Hut closed in the off season.
Map Notes: The USGS map is before parkway construction: the present northbound trailhead is near where the gravel pit is shown.
Franconia Notch State Park map
Shining Rock Cliff from Old Bridle Path
Greenleaf Hut
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