The alpine zone of the Franconia Range of the White Mountains is smaller than its Presidential cousin to the east but no less fascinating. In this hostile, yet compelling environment grow some of New England’s most uncommon plants. Despite regular gale force winds, tiny amounts of soil, and extreme temperatures, our native flora has found a way to survive in this unyielding environment. Participants should have good balance, good knees, and be prepared for rigorous hiking. Join us for this two-day excursion where we will use the AMCs Greenleaf Hut on the western flank of Mount Lafayette to explore the wonderful plants and habitats of the Franconia Range. The species we will see are far too numerous to list. Suffice it to say….you won’t be disappointed

Our trip will begin with a hike up the old Bridle Path to Eagle Lake and the Greenleaf Hut. This is a moderate 2.7 mile hike with some steep areas through northern hardwood and spruce/fir forests. At the hut we will get settled, drop our gear and eat our lunch. Following lunch we will continue to the summit of Mount Lafayette to explore the northern ridge line toward Mount Garfield. Then it will be back to the hut for dinner, and afterwards perhaps a short hike up the side of Lafayette to view the sunset (keep your fingers crossed). The total hiking distance for day 1 will be about 5.5 miles with roughly half of this above treeline.

Following breakfast on Day 2 we will assess the weather and if all goes well we will pack up and head to the summit of Lafayette and head south along the Franconia Range to Mount Lincoln and Little Haystack Mountain. Along this walk we will encounter numerous unique plant populations and enjoy spectacular views of Cannon Mountain to the west and the Pemigewasset Wilderness and Bond Cliff to the east. We will descend via the Falling Waters Trail. We will take our time as this trail is steep in spots, and true to its name, water and late season ice can make it slippery in certain locations. A small side trip will take us to fantastic views to the north at Shining Rock. This 200-foot high granite ledge is often covered with a sheen of water that seeps out of the forest above. We will also be treated to the numerous waterfalls located along this trail. We will return to the Bridle Path parking lot at approximately 5 p.m. The total hiking distance for day 2 will be about 5.7 miles with roughly half of those miles above treeline. If the weather on day 2 appears to be rainy in any way, we will return via the Old Bridle Path after spending the morning on the summit and north ridge of Lafayette.

The course fee covers your stay at Greenleaf Hut including dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2. Lunch on both days will be up to each participant, but can be purchased from the Hut for an extra fee (paid to them directly). We will meet at Lafayette Place in Franconia Notch to begin our trip – ample parking is available.

Details about what to bring and a more detailed itinerary will be sent out to participants a month in advance of the trip. The hiking will be rigorous to reach and descend from the summit, but the summit ridge is a pleasant hike with plenty of wonderful views and species to enjoy. The trip can be tackled by anyone in good health with good knees and moderate hiking experience. The trip is also weather dependent.

The deadline for registrations or refunds is April 30, 2012. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit.