Are dogs allowed on Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop?

No, Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop?

Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop is rated expert. It is 8.6 miles long with 4,104 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New Hampshire trail conditions

Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop

ExpertLoop

Franconia Notch State Park/New Hampshire

Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop

Lincoln, New Hampshire

8.6 mi

Distance

4,104 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 47m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

There are good reasons why this full-day climb is popular. You won't find better views in New England on a clear day. Mount Lafayette is the tallest mountain outside the Presidential Range.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:546 ft

Max:1,583 ft

1,251 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by New Hampshire Division of Parks

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Franconia Notch State Park — official page
Park unit page with alerts and visitor information.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:603-823-8800
Address:NH

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Nearby Trails

More trails near Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Little Haystack via Falling Waters Trail

Mount Lafayette via Old Bridle Path

Mount Lafayette, Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Liberty, and Mount Flume Loop

Hi-Cannon Trail to Kinsman Ridge Trail

Lonesome Lake Trail

Kinsman Pond Trail

Other trails in Franconia Notch State Park

Lonesome Lake Trail

Little Haystack via Falling Waters Trail

Hi-Cannon Trail to Kinsman Ridge Trail

Mount Lafayette via Old Bridle Path

Cannon Mountain Loop Trail

Kinsman Pond Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Lonesome Lake Hut

Lafayette Place Campground - Franconia Notch State Park

Greenleaf Hut

Cannon Mountain RV Park

Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter, Appalachian Trail

Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins

Similar trails in New Hampshire

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Mount Washington

Purgatory Falls via Purgatory Brook Trail

Mount Kearsarge North

Little Haystack via Falling Waters Trail

Hancock Loop Trail