High and Dry, Mt. Lincoln NH
“High And Dry” ( erroneously named Woodman/Dorcy in my post Spirit, the names of the FA team) is an excellent introduction to the wonderful climbing in Franconia Ridge back country. The approach up the Dry River is straight froward and easy. Depending on conditions of course. One starts this adventure by parking at the Old Bridle Path/ Falling Waters Trailhead, the same parking lot for Lincoln’s Throat.
In a short distance (.2m) turn right on to the Falling Waters trail. Hike this trail for ~ 1.5 miles until the last brook crossing ( L to R side) and then follow the Dry Brook directly to the base of the slide. The finish of this climb is on the Franconia Ridge just south of Lincoln’s summit, where it gets craggy at the little detached tower. This section of ridge is one of the most aesthetic in the state.
Friday 2.8.13 , on the toes of the oncoming snowstorm, Ted Hammond and I got into this beautiful drainage and slide before it turned into a expert BC ski run. What applies to some bc climbs applies here, High & Dry is best done early season or during a lean snow year.
Of note, this is also a great summer hike. With the climbing on the slabs in the 5.4 range, and many finishing options on the cliffs guarding the Franconia Ridge.
Below is a slideshow of our day, enjoy.
Cheers,
~Alan Cattabriga
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awesome shots, on this and the fools paradise presentation. I appreciate the use of BW photos. I’ve been eye those lines for a while. I wonder if the conditions on Fly Boys or Escadrille on Lafayette were like the Woodman/dorcy line (considering they share the same cardinal aspect).
Gates,
Thank you. The lines on Lafayette may well have been in the same condition at that time. How much snow accumulated however may be different, depending on wind direction during the storm. As there is much more area above tree line on Lafayette than Lincoln.
Whatever the case, they are all excellent… that is if one is into climbing a mountain via an aesthetic, trail-less aspect.
Cheers!
~alan
I fell in love with this route since I first saw it! I was hoping to climb this in the summer (maybe next winter too). What gear would you say should come along? And is 5.4 about the average or are there easier/harder variations?