Pemigewasset Wilderness Food Storage Requirement
Effective May 1st, 2026, all overnight campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must store all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, and toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear resistant canister. Alternative methods, including bear hangs, for storing food and bear attractants in the Pemigewasset Wilderness will no longer be permitted as they have proven to be less effective than canisters. The only exceptions are the bear resistant food boxes located at the Thirteen Falls Tent Site.
Source: Forest Service
Feels like 24°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.25" (24h) · 1.44" (48h)
Best Hiking Window
No safe window exists this weekend. Saturday conditions are dangerous due to fresh snow, ice, severe wind chill, and active precipitation. Sunday brings a second storm system with an even more complex and hazardous precipitation mix including freezing rain and hail. If you must attempt this peak, wait until early next week after the Sunday storm fully clears and allow at least one full day for trail surfaces to be assessed. Plan for an early morning start with long daylight to allow ample margin.
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth, Mt. Washington Avalanche Center, USGS Stream Levels, OpenWeather Air Quality.
AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
Summit-level conditions by time of day at 5,260' elevation
The classic Lafayette loop: up falling water, along Franconia Ridge, and down old bridle path past Greenleaf Hut. Note: Descend on Greenleaf Trail from summit of Lafayette to the hut, then Old Bridal Path back to the trailhead.
Distance
8.9 mi
Elevation Gain
3,893 ft
Duration
5-8 hours
Trailhead
Falling Water
Jonathan Q.
I’ve hiked this route over 50 times in my life. In every month of the year except for December. My favorite time of year to hike this loop - the best day hike east of the Mississippi! - is late winter. The days are a little longer, the snow is well packed, the air is generally clearer, and the views are the most spectacular!