Hike the mountains of New Hamspire while topping eight 4,000 footers

Day 1: Flume Gorge Visitor Center → Flume Slide trail / Greenleaf hut

Make your first stop at the Flume Gorge, an 800 foot gorge up to 90 feet in height at the base of Mount Liberty.

From here, you will hike the Flume Slide trail. This trail takes you up a rocky and adventurous ascent, my favorite in the whites. If you are there in the spring, you may need crampons for ice as well. The trail is steep enough that there were points that we had to lift our dog up to go further. You will then submit your first 4,000 footer, Mount Flume, and make your way along the Franconia Ridge Trail. This will take you over Little Haystack, Lincoln, North Lincoln and Lafayette Mountains. You will then descend down Greenleaf trail until you reach Greenleaf Hut which had self service starting in May and full service starting in June through mid-October. You can choose to spend the night here or continue down Old Bridle Path and camp at the Lafayette Campground.

Day 2: Lafayette Place West → Lonesome lake / Cannon

What you do may vary on your energy levels and where you’re starting the day. The plan is to hike up Hi-Cannon Trail to the Dodge Cut-off leading to the Lonesome Lake Hut, nestled in the mountains between trees, and located on the Lonesome Lake. The hike up is very moderate and popular. You can also continue on Hi-Cannon Trail to Summit Cannon mountain then down Lonesome Lake Trail which will add an extra 3 miles to your journey. Spend the night at Lonesome Lake Hut enjoying the atmosphere.

Day 3: Lonesome lake → Kinsman mountain

Hike up to North Peak Kinsman Via the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail and if you're extra ambitious, you can hike to South Peak Kinsman but keep in mind that this is an out and back. When back at the hut, you will hike down the Cascade Brook Trail which will lead you across I93 again and onto the Whitehouse Trail which leads back to the Flume Gorge & Visitor Center.

Additional Information

Make sure to book your stays in advance! AMC huts are very popular for good reason, you will not be the only one excited to stay the night.

Trail snacks and lunch are a must. You can bring granola bars, fruit, hard boiled eggs, cheese, candy, nuts, GORP, etc.

Pack warm layers and a bathing suit if it’s warm enough. If you are staying in the huts, you will be able to have the dinners there but you will want to bring a sleeping bag. If you are camping you will need to bring your own dinners and camping gear.