VIDEO: Hiking the Franconia Ridge Traverse, NH

First and foremost…Happy Columbus Day! For those of you with the day off, I wish you many an adventure in this marvelous fall weather :D

For those without the day off, use this video to hike vicariously and enjoy the nonstop awesome of Franconia Ridge ;)

…I bet the White Mountains are lookin’ bangin’ this time of year, with trees ablaze and colors abounding…kinda wish I were there now…

Focus, people!

So the Franconia Ridge Traverse in Franconia Notch State Park is probably one of the most popular hikes in the Northeast, and perhaps North America, making it on to many listicles featuring the quote unquote “Best Hikes in America”.

Why so popular? Consider the amazing waterfalls lining the trail as you march your way up to the first of three peaks above 4,000 feet along a ridgeline offering nonstop 360º views of the White Mountains over the course of an 8.2 mile, closed loop.

Phewf. Yea…that would do it.

Don’t be fooled, however. Just because it’s popular does not mean it’s easy-squeezy lemon-peasy…or whatever the technical term is. This trek’s 2,100 ft., 1.6 mile climb up to Little Haystack is fierce, and that’s only the beginning! You’ll need to have your spindly legs in well-working order before attempting this hike, but know the unmatched scenic pay-off is well worth the…legwork.

I couldn’t resist.

Plus, if you do need to take a breather, the AMC’s Greenleaf Hut offers solace with food, water, bathrooms, and beds (upon reservation)…what more could you need!

So without further adieu, I give you the Franconia Ridge Traverse in all of its ridgelined glory: