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New Hampshire Trails

White Mountain National Forest: Franconia Ridge-Cannon Mountain-Lonesome Lake Loop

Travel the rugged spines of Franconia and Kinsman Ridges on this 13.8-miler that offers five summits, numerous campsites, and unrivaled views.

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-Mapped by Michael Aubin

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 21.9

Waypoints

FRA001

Location: 44.1116790771484, -71.6819686889648

Follow Liberty Spring Trail E for easy climb on old logging road. In .6 mi., go L @ Y with Flume Slide Trail

FRA002

Location: 44.1112937927246, -71.6642303466797

Trail winds NE under hardwoods; pass Liberty Spring tent site in 1.1 mi.

FRA003

Location: 44.1191062927246, -71.6426849365234

R @ T onto Franconia Ridge Trail. Ahead, leave woods for rock ledges

FRA004

Location: 44.1156196594238, -71.6425399780274

Mt. Liberty (4,459 ft.): From ledgy summit, see E across Pemigewasset Wilderness. Retrace to WPT 3; straight @ 3-way for N trek along Franconia’s narrow backbone

FRA005

Location: 44.1402206420898, -71.6452331542969

Straight @ 3-way; traverse boulder-strewn Little Haystack Mtn. Next, head N; views of wooded peaks and valleys

FRA006

Location: 44.1483612060547, -71.6446914672852

Mt. Lincoln (5,089 ft.): Tread lightly on fragile alpine tundra. Continue N

FRA007

Location: 44.160270690918, -71.6442794799805

Mt. Lafayette (5,260 ft.). Look NE and E @ Twins, Owls Head, and Bonds. Turn L onto Greenleaf Trail for descent of ridge

FRA008

Location: 44.1602516174316, -71.660530090332

Bear R @ Y; Greenleaf Hut on R. Franconia Range is stunning backdrop

FRA009

Location: 44.168083190918, -71.682746887207

Head NW, paralleling parkway to underpass, then parking lot, then well-marked Kinsman Ridge Trail to Cannon Mtn. summit

FRA010

Location: 44.1566925048828, -71.6984405517578

Pass tower and tram station. In .4 mi., stay R @ Y with Hi-Cannon Trail

FRA011

Location: 44.1507339477539, -71.7068252563476

Bear L @ Y onto Lonesome Lake Trail for descent to lake. In .7 mi., R @ T

FRA012

Location: 44.1379432678223, -71.7040634155274

Pass Lonesome Lake Hut, then L @ 3-way. Cross brook; L @ T onto Cascade Brook Trail. In .3 mi., R @ 3-way, then quick R onto Lonesome Lake Trail to campground

FRA013

Location: 44.1425590515137, -71.6845932006836

Set up camp @ Lafayette Campground, or shuttle back to trailhead

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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