Hiking: From the Archives | Bushwhack up Lafayette Brook | White Mountains, NH
We did this bushwhack many years ago (Fall of 1999). When we were going to Lyndon State College in Northeastern Vermont, we'd always drive past the ravine that Lafayette Brook flowed down when we were driving I93 through Franconia Notch. The view always grabbed our attention and I thought it would be a bushwhack.
On a warm fall day, we decided to tackle the brook and see how far up into the ravine we could get. We parked in the hiking parking over by Cannon and walked over to the brook where it goes under the closed bridge that's open for views of Lafayette. From there, we got down to the brook and then started our way up. We didn't expect to climb the headwall and get up on Lafayette, but we were surprised at just how thick and slow going the route along Lafayette Brook was. I had thought that there would at least be a few herd paths, but it was really slow going through some really thick woods. After lunch, we ended up cutting up to the Eagle Cliffs Pass and then followed the Greenleaf Trail back down to the car in the notch.
We did find a few nice views as we got higher into the ravine and I've always wanted to go back to get up to the headwall, but we've just never had it work out for us. If I had to do it again, I'd probably spend the night in the ravine and then use the next day to climb the headwall to Lafayette and come back down the Greenleaf Trail.
Look for more past trips as I scan more of our older trip photos.
For more information
The Appalachian Mountain Club publishes maps and trail information for this area along with the entire White Mountain region in the White Mountain Trail Guide
. This area is covered by the AMC's Franconia - Pemigewasset: White Mountains Trail Map.
Important Hiking Considerations:
On a warm fall day, we decided to tackle the brook and see how far up into the ravine we could get. We parked in the hiking parking over by Cannon and walked over to the brook where it goes under the closed bridge that's open for views of Lafayette. From there, we got down to the brook and then started our way up. We didn't expect to climb the headwall and get up on Lafayette, but we were surprised at just how thick and slow going the route along Lafayette Brook was. I had thought that there would at least be a few herd paths, but it was really slow going through some really thick woods. After lunch, we ended up cutting up to the Eagle Cliffs Pass and then followed the Greenleaf Trail back down to the car in the notch.
We did find a few nice views as we got higher into the ravine and I've always wanted to go back to get up to the headwall, but we've just never had it work out for us. If I had to do it again, I'd probably spend the night in the ravine and then use the next day to climb the headwall to Lafayette and come back down the Greenleaf Trail.
Look for more past trips as I scan more of our older trip photos.
For more information
The Appalachian Mountain Club publishes maps and trail information for this area along with the entire White Mountain region in the White Mountain Trail Guide. This area is covered by the AMC's Franconia - Pemigewasset: White Mountains Trail Map.###
Watch all of our videos about hikes in the New Hampshire on YouTube
Sign up for our newsletter for regular hike info, gear reviews, videos, and more!
You can find this hike:Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
- Our Hiking Gear Guide and Recommendations
- Our day hike backpack recommendations
- Top Ten Day Hiking Essentials
- Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30
- Recommended Gear on Amazon
- Shop Hiker Trash Husbands Merch
Gear we used on this hike:
- Goodr Sunglasses
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- Altra Lone Peak Shoes
- Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
- REI Traverse Trekking Poles
- Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
- Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Garmin Instinct Watch
- Garmin inReach Plus GPS
Thanks for watching! Be sure to like and subscribe on YouTube if you enjoyed our video. We appreciate the opportunity to share our adventures with you and highlight members of the LGBTQ+ community enjoying the outdoors. Proud gay hikers here! Find out more about us at The Hiker Trash Husbands on the web - https://www.hikertrashhusbands.com
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
Comments
Post a Comment