Mount Lafayette
N 44° 09.652 W 071° 38.670
19T E 288550 N 4893141
A popular day-hiking destination located high above Franconia Notch in the White Mountain National Forest
Waymark Code: WMCC0N
Location: New Hampshire, United States
Date Posted: 08/20/2011
Views: 13
Named for Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette (a French soldier who served as a General in the Continental Army during the American Revolution), Mount Lafayette is the tallest peak on the Franconia Ridge, and one of the most popular hiking destinations in the White Mountains. The summit is well above the timber line, and the upper portions of the mountain are in the alpine zone. A loop trail allows day hikers to attain the summits of both Lafayette and
Mount Lincoln (approximately 1 mile south), providing great views along the way. The loop (done in either direction) is about 10 miles in length, and allows hikers to visit the Greenleaf Hut (an AMC hut offering shelter, meals, and night accommodations by reservation). The loop starts near the Lafayette Place Campground on Route 93, and follows the Falling Waters Trail, the Franconia Ridge Trail (which is also the Appalachian Trail at that point), the Greenleaf Trail, and the Old Bridal Path.
Like many of the higher summits in the White Mountains, the upper portions of Mount Lafayette, and the connecting ridge trails to the north and south, are very exposed, and subject to extreme weather conditions which can change rapidly without notice. All hikers should be well prepared before attempting a hike to the summit. The trails can be rugged and slippery, especially under wet or icy conditions.
Mount Lafayette is the 6th highest peak on the list of the Appalachian Mountain Club's New Hampshire four thousand footers.
Mount Lafayette