Hike Franconia Ridge
When:
Sunday, Jan 03, 2021 8:00a -
4:00p
Sunday, Jan 03, 2021 8:00a -
4:00p
Where:
Wellington(Revere Beach Pkwy, Medford, MA 02155, USA)
Wellington Revere Beach Pkwy
Medford, MA 02155
Admission:
Unknown
Categories:
Date Idea, Meetup, Social Good, Sports & Active Life
Event website:
https://p.ridj-it.com/app/trip-detail?id=69403
Franconia Ridge is an incredibly beautiful and consequently famous jaunt. Usually in the summer it is packed to the brim with adventure seekers, which is why I'm very excited to do this in winter. I've personally hiked Franconia Ridge several times but never during the cold season, and I'm excited to try. We'll be doing the ol' Falling Waters up and Bridle down. Please be aware that extreme weather will cancel this event and cause a hiking location change. However, you should expect "extreme" weather due to the natural conditions. You must be absolutely comfortable working in potential whiteout conditions.
Length: 8.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3,800 ft
Map route here.
You should join this trip if...
1) You have recent winter hiking (meaning in this past month and beyond) experience in the 4,000 footers of NH or ADK
2) You have taken a winter hiking class
3) You have all of the mandatory gear listed below
4) You understand that the difficulty is listed as "difficult" for those who exercise aerobically regularly. If you are a frequent hiker like me, this will still be difficult because of potential weather. Many emergency calls to SAR happen on Franconia Ridge; do not attempt if you do not have experience with windy, sometimes whiteout conditions.
5) 1.8 mph average pace does not seem killer to you
Additional expectations
1) I am not a guide and this is not a service - I expect you to be fully prepared with the gear listed below and the mindset that you could get yourself out of trouble if needed.
2) We stick together - this is a group event, so if you feel that you are not flexible in working as a team, this will not be a good hike for you.
3) You can be turned away from carpool or the trailhead if you look/seem unprepared.
4) We will follow COVID guidelines and wear masks during carpool and on the trail when social distancing cannot be maintained. Do not show up if you do not agree to the COVID guidelines.
5) Showing up without registering on Ridj-it with a profile and then actually signing up for the trip is a safety hazard and will get you banned. Do not message to join in any alternative manner.
Please answer the following questions before/when you join unless your Ridj-it profile is amazing
1. When were your last three hikes? How many miles were they? How much elevation gain?
2. What does your weekly exercise routine look like?
3. Do you have all of the gear marked as required below?
Mandatory gear (yes, mandatory)
1) Waterproof winter hiking boots (no trail runners or summer hiking boots)
2) Microspikes; I will have HillSound crampons, so if you have something bigger than Micros, I suggest it. Absolutely no tiny studs or anything that does not have multiple sharp pointed edges.
3) Gaiters
4) Waterproof and windproof shells for core and pants
5) Layered clothing system; no cotton
6) Insulated jacket (puffy - down or synthetic)
7) Hat
8) Winter Gloves
9) Headlamp (days are much shorter)
10) 2 liters of water or water treatment method
11) Snacks and lunch ~2000 calories.
12) Extra clothing to change into after (mandatory, your clothes will get wet during this hike)
14. Snowshoes might be listed as mandatory - stay tuned
15. Ski goggles or sunglasses that will not fog up
If you are traveling from Massachusetts, please be aware of the State’s guidelines for travel outside of the State. You are expected to abide by these guidelines and assume all responsibility for non-compliance.
