Garfield Ridge

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Views

If you're going to run this you're probably in the league of the dude we met on the top of the Franconia Ridge Trail the next day which was windy and raining. He dressed only in a pair of shorts. Running it barefoot would be a challenge unless your work clothes consist of a cape and underpants worn outside your tights.

Drops down from Galehead hut which is not too rugged (we met a corgi dog hiking this part - the owner was not on a leash). Climbs up with some scrambling to a very nice outlook then on up with steep haul to Mt Garfield which has
an open summit with great views and old concrete tower base for wind shelter. Next a long drop down before the climb
begins onto garfiled ridge which never gets too steep or rocky to be a slog. Finally the opening out and climb up to
Lafayette summit is great with open views and passing various false summits which we named mountain foolery.

We had a perfect sunny day with gentle breezes - the summit of Lafayette was teeming with people in contrast to
the previous 3 days running across from Highland Center.

Run this the last week in June 2018 from Greenleaf Hut to Galehead Hut. It is more difficult than it seems because small rises and descents over rocks and roots. That said, it is quite scenic from Lafayette to Garfield. Unfortunately there are long stretches in the woods going up and down over minor hills where runners without gps may have no idea where they might be. Allow plenty of time so you are not running after dark.

Song birds in the boreal zone