![]() Unfortunately the 90 lbs lab was distressed. I had two labs with me: a 1.5yo 50 lbs mix, and a 2yo 90 lbs full lab. Ascending up to Mount Liberty on that sloped slab, I had a LOT of difficulty with one of the pups. There were a few bugs on Flume, but other than that it was mostly a bug-free day.Īfter lunch, I turned around and made my way back to Liberty. I didn’t think the view at Mount Flume was as impressive as Liberty, but it was quieter and less windy so I ate lunch with the pups here. The trail to Mount Flume is generally relaxed as well, with a small climb towards the end. I had to encourage one of my pups to come down. There is one descent down a sloped slab of rock that may be tough for dogs. So, I pushed onto Mount Flume which is 1.2 miles away. Most people stop at Mount Liberty to eat their lunch, but I hit the summit at 10:38AM and decided it was too early to stop. The last 0.3 mile push to the summit of Mount Liberty is a nice relaxed walk. At the top where you hit Franconia Ridge, there is an option to go left towards Mount Lafayette or right to our destination, Mount Liberty. When you pass the Liberty Spring Tentsite, where there is currently a Bear Alert, you’re almost there! There is a water fill-up spout at the site if you want to pack lighter with water weight. I don’t think they got very far. The last 1.3 mile push up to Franconia Ridge can be a bit strenuous. I did see a few young guys attempting to summit in skinny jeans and Sperry boat shoes. It’s also a good time for your pups to drink water so you don’t have to carry any water up for them! The trail was a little muddy but nothing that would make it too difficult. The first mile or so on the Liberty Spring Trail is gradual with a few manageable water crossings. At the summit I talked to 3-4 hikers who did Flume Slide and their words were “never again.” There is a ton of slime on the rocks that makes it difficult to ascend, especially with dogs. Note that you can either go right towards the Flume Slide Trail, and loop back around on the Liberty Spring Trail, or go left and return back via Liberty Spring Trail which is what I did. After 0.6 miles on the paved road, you will start your ascent up the Liberty Spring Trail. The signage is pretty good from the parking lot, following blue blazes. Turn left to go on the bike path. There are options to cool down in the Pemi River here. ![]() Both mountains are located in the very popular Franconia Ridge, only a 2 hour drive from Boston.įrom the Whitehouse Trailhead, you will hike 0.9 miles in a flat wooded area until you reach a paved road used as a bike path. Instead, I double backed on Liberty Spring Trail for a roundtrip mileage of 10.65mi and 3,921′ elevation gain (according to MapMyHike, compared to the book stats above). Because I was going up with 2 black labs, I decided to avoid Flume Slide Trail completely. We went up Mount Liberty and Mount Flume on a beautiful Wednesday morning, after it had rained the day before. The official name is the Whitehouse Trailhead, although it’s not well marked as such. Trailhead: After the Flume Visitor Center parking lot, exit 34A off 93 (note that there is construction right now, so take exit 33), there is a big wooden sign that says “Trailhead”. Here are two websites that will provided you the best information on conditions in the White Mountains.Hike Out: 2:34PM Heading up to the summit of Mount Liberty at Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains, New Hampshire! However, Liberty Springs tentsite is located 3.2 miles from the parking lot and it is only about 0.7 miles from the summit (0.3 miles from Franconia Ridge Trail - an awesome traverse, second only to the Presidential Traverse!) Mountain Conditions Still in winter keep close eye on the conditions because they can change dramatically in minutes.Īpril and early May are the times not to attempt Mt. The Liberty Springs trail can be ascented with snowshoes and crampons. In winter the Flume Slide Trail should not be attempted due to its Class 3 conditions, avalanche dangers and and the large amount of ice present on the slide. Flume, traverse the ridge via the Franconia Ridge Trail and desend down the Liberty Spring trailhead. Or if you want to make it a loop hike you can take the Class 3 Flume Slide Trail (ascent only for safety reasons) up to the top of Mt. In summer and early fall this mountain is easily accessible via the steady Class 1 Liberty Spring Trail. Therefore there are no fees unlike many of the other parking areas. This parking area is currently within the State Park.
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