Drove up to the notch early enough to start at 0430. It is not hard for me as i usually go to bed very early for someone my age at this point in my life.
It was about 31 (F) in the lot across I93 (not falling waters trailhead). I am not sure how many times i have done variations of Franconia ridge at this point in my life but i know it is over 50. This is nice at times because i can shut my brain off after i plan, pack, etc. There isnt a point during my hike where i dont know where i am & about how far out i might be. I will say with all the changes to the bridal path the bottom is unfamiliar to me at times.
The hike i did was one i repeat quite a bit where i go up the bridal path out to North Lincoln then come back for a decent amount of vertical gain for just under 10 miles. Generally i like to do it on a working week day.
Rime ice was all over the ground at 4700 feet and up. Any water that was running had frozen overnight. It was an excellent October day. The winds must have topped out at around 20mph when gusting. If light traction were to be brought it would still be something you put on for 5 minutes and then not need the rest of the hike at this point.
Foliage is past peak in the area, but in my opinion October is excellent; and it was an excellent day.
Lafayette
fireball
time to leave
PR
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