Boy, did we pick the right day to hike Franconia Ridge. Apparently, every year on 9/11 a group called “Flags on the 48” flies an American flag on top of each of the 48 mountain peaks in New Hampshire that measure 4000ft or higher. The Franconia Ridge loop trail includes 4 of the 48 peaks.

Franconia ridge is arguably the nicest hike within 2-hours of Boston. The ridge trail spans 4, 4000ft mountain peaks all featuring 360 degree views of the surrounding parks. The Dartmouth Outing Club contains the definitive trip guide. It’s nestled in Franconia Notch State Park and is walking distance from several camp sites. The Franconia Ridge loop trail is about 9 miles long with a vertical climb of about 3000ft up and down. We left at at 8am and returned around 3pm making for a 7 hour round trip.

The hike is not for the faint of heart. There are several areas that require scrambling or a touch of climbing. We had to throw max up a couple of ledges, but he barely noticed. Tracy and I were feeling it by the end.

The up-hill leg is called falling waters trail and it’s plainly obvious why. You’re practically hiking in a mountain spring the whole way up with several crossings and waterfalls.

I highly recommend the hike to anyone who hasn’t been there yet. It’s a can’t miss.