thenhoc

Being home I was going through some of my material back home and found the itineraries for two trips I have done that I think would be great freshmen trip options. I'm not sure how many freshmen trips are done on a yearly basis and how many new ones are tried out, but I figured I would share these at least.

This is a beginners backpacking trip that takes you from Galehead to Lafayette. I have modified the trip from what I did when I went on the trip to what would happen if it was used for a freshmen trip.
Day 1(aug 28)-meet at UNH, go to lower falls on Kangamangus highway for tubing and swimming, spend the night at Franconia Brook tentsite.
Day 2(aug 29)-Begin hiking at the Franconia Brook Trail and hike that short distance into 13 Falls tentsite(5.6 miles), go swimming in the 13 falls.
Day 3(aug 30)- Hike towards Galehead hut, summit Mt. Galehead. Take Garfield Ridge Trail to Garfield Ridge tentsite( 6.3 miles).
Day 4(aug 31)-Summit Mt. Garfield. Stay on Garfield Ridge trail. Summit Mt. Lafayette, and head down towards Franky Cabin by the old bridle path, and take car back to UNH from there ( 8.4 miles) or could continue from Mt. Lafayette and summit Mt. Lincoln and then take Falling waters Trail back (9.1 miles).

This trip is fairly low cost and offers a lot of down time and thus would make a good freshmen trip because the hikers would get to know each other quite well. The swimming and tubing at Kangamangus highway is extremely fun, I have done it so many times its that awesome. The second day hiking to 13 falls is basically all flat, with a couple of brook crossings, not bad at all and 13 falls is a beautiful site. The hike towards Galehead can be difficult because it is moderately steep and if your caught in the mid day heat is very hot. From there to Garfield isn't to bad except for the last .2 miles or so. Then the rest isn't to bad until the false summits of Lafayette trick you. All together it is a good hike that is not too difficult and allows a lot of free time. I will be bringing the full itinerary back up with me so if you have any questions ask.

that trip could actually be done as a long weekend trip too, you would just remove the first day of the trip and then keep everything else and you would have a 3 day trip that is pretty good with a decent amount of hiking