New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide – Mount Flume

Note: For complete trail descriptions, times, elevation, trailhead directions, and major features, see the AMC White Mountain Guide.

Profile
Mt. Flume (4,328'), a part of the popular and scenic Franconia Ridge, bears a sharp, rugged peak with excellent views of the surrounding area and an array of alpine plants.

Suggested Routes
Strenuous: To climb Mt. Flume in a day, begin by taking Liberty Spring Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail. At 2.6 miles, adventurous hikers may wish to depart Liberty Springs Trail and take the rugged, rocky, steep, and often slippery Flume Slide Trail, which ends 0.1 miles south of the summit of Mt. Flume. Flume Slide Trail can be avoided by staying on steadily ascending Liberty Spring Trail, which ends at the Franconia Ridge Trail. Follow the ridgeline south for just over a mile to the summit of Mt. Flume. Do not descend via Flume Slide Trail, as it tends to be wet and slippery year round.

Trip Planning
The AMC’s Greenleaf Hut is located at the junction of the Old Bridle Path and Greenleaf Trail on nearby Mt. Lafayette, overlooking Eagle Lake. The hut is open from mid-May to mid-October (caretaker basis in May), offering meals and overnight accommodations.

The AMC’s Liberty Spring Tentsite is located along the Liberty Spring Trail, below the junction with the Franconia Ridge Trail.

The AMC’s Hiker Shuttle stops at the Liberty Spring Trailhead, connecting hikers with Lafayette Place Campground, The Highland Center and Shapleigh Bunkhouse.

Safety
The AMC recommends all hikers check weather conditions in advance, carry a current map and guidebook, along with a compass and knowledge of how to use it. For recommendations on how to plan a safe hike in the White Mountains, see: The 10 essentials for a safe and pleasant hike.

Note: Franconia Ridge is extremely susceptible to high winds and bad weather, and is particularly exposed and prone to severe lightning strikes. Hikers are advised to pay particular attention to weather conditions for the area and avoid the ridgecrest on Mts. Lafayette, Lincoln and Little Haystack when storms approach.

Fun Fact
Franconia Ridge Trail has numerous areas of alpine habitat, including on the stretch that accesses Mt. Flume.