Submitted by rock_hopper
8.9 mi • 3,893 ft gain • 5-8 hours • Falling Water
White Mountain National Forest to Temporarily Close Section of Lincoln Woods Trail for Public Health and Safety
Release Date: February 2, 2026 Contact Information: Colleen Mainville [email protected] Campton, NH, February 2, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is temporarily closing a portion of the Lincoln Woods Trail to protect health and safety due to construction activities. Beginning February 9, the Lincoln Woods Trail from Route 112-Kancamagus Highway to the junction of the Osseo trail will be closed. The construction activity will take place for several weeks and a closure notice will be posted. This portion of the trail was originally damaged during Hurricane Irene, and the riverside trail has continued to be undermined. Without needed repairs, unchecked erosion will put the trail at risk for complete loss. Parking and trail access to the East Side Trail will continue to be available at Lincoln Woods Trailhead. The project will resume in June with another closure of the Lincoln Woods Trail. The Forest Service will provide additional details at that time. For more information or contact the Pemigewasset Ranger District at (603) 536-6100 x 0 Main Desk.
Source: Forest Service
Feels like -25°F
Best Hiking Window
No safe hiking window exists through the Wind Chill Warning period (through early Tuesday morning). Monday offers slightly reduced winds and sunshine, but summit temperatures will remain well below zero with sustained dangerous wind chills — conditions remain hazardous for the exposed Franconia Ridge. Tuesday brings another round of strengthening winds and incoming snow. The earliest reasonable reassessment point would be mid-to-late Tuesday at the soonest, pending confirmed warning expiration and meaningful wind subsidence; experienced winter mountaineers only should consider any attempt.
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!