Franconia Ridge Loop

NH, USA

8.3 miles (13.4 km) · 3,532 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Franconia Ridge Loop is a 8.3-mile loop route in NH, USA, gaining 3,532 feet of elevation. The route follows a up-and-over elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 4 distinct sections including 1 significant climb. The longest climb covers 3.6 miles gaining 3,399 feet at an average 17.8% grade. Only 20% of the terrain is runnable — expect substantial hiking throughout. The route opens with a climb and finishes with flat terrain.

Route facts

Distance	8.3 mi (13.4 km)
Elevation gain	3,532 ft (1,077 m)
Average gain	426 ft per mile (81 m per km)
Longest climb	3.6 mi, 3,384 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	42.4%
Runnable	20% of the route
Climbs / descents	1 climbs, 2 descents
Profile shape	Up, then down
Difficulty score	18.8 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	5%
Mild uphill	5%
Moderate uphill	9%
Steep uphill	34%
Mild downhill	3%
Moderate downhill	5%
Steep downhill	37%

Questions about Franconia Ridge Loop

How much elevation gain does Franconia Ridge Loop have?

Franconia Ridge Loop has 3,532 ft (1,077 m) of elevation gain over 8.3 miles (13.4 km). That averages 426 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Franconia Ridge Loop?

The difficulty score for Franconia Ridge Loop is 18.8 of 100. That is harder than 89.3% of routes at a similar distance. About 20% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Franconia Ridge Loop?

The longest climb on Franconia Ridge Loop runs 3.6 miles (5.8 km) and gains 3,384 ft (1,031 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 42.4%.