About This Route
In New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, the Franconia Ridge to Mt. Moosilauke section spans 20 strenuous miles above treeline, from Franconia Notch State Park via Liberty, Lincoln, Lafayette summits (all over 5,000 feet), then Beaver Brook to Moosilauke at 4,802 feet. Iconic knife-edge ridge offers 360-degree views; shelters include Greenleaf Hut (AMC fee). Hike NH48 peaks en route. USFS requires wormwood awareness for fragile tundra.
Safety Considerations
Extreme weather: White Mountains claim lives yearly per AMC; hyperthermia, lightning, ice. Treeline exposure mandates rain gear; check MtWashington.org forecasts. Moose aggressive in rut; give space. Giardia in streams; Platypus GravityWorks filter. No cell above treeline; carry ACR ResQLink PLB. ATC: share with AMC huts, avoid solo in fog. Steep slabs slippery when wet.
Essential Gear
Arc'teryx Bora 65 pack. Mountain Hardwear EV 2 tent, SnowPeak GigaPower stove. Microspikes: Kahtoola. Map: Delorme White Mountains. First aid: Adventure Medical .9.
Emergency Tips
Whiteout? Dig snow trench, conserve energy. Fall: self-arrest with poles. Huts have radios; trailhead at I-93.