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To reach the southern trailhead, take State Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) northeast of Licoln. Look for signs to the parking area for Lincoln Woods; there is a visitor center here.
The trail is a continues incline but not steep. There are quite a few railroad ties after the first mile but the there is room to go around in most places. Effortless return due to the down slope.
We had a great time on this flat trail, which does have some old railroad tires and nails popping up along the way. Using “Map My Walk” it was 7.12 miles from the parking lot to the falls and back. The falls are very refreshing, with a few safe still pools to cool off in! Highly recommend this trail! You can also visit other side trails off this one, including Black Pond which we do next time!
This trail is convenient to Rt 112 ("the Kank") just inside the National Forest from Lincoln, NH. The main trail is a former logging railway along the scenic East Branch of the Pemi River, so it is wide and gently inclined. Some of the old ties and rails are still visible. Two rewarding destinations are Franconia Falls and Black Pond, both a mile or less off this trail at about the 2-1/2 mile point.
I just climbed up to Black Pond, an alpine pond of great beauty. The trail follows its outlet stream up a moderate incline. On April 4th, 2013 there were still about 1-2 ft of snow, hard-packed on the trail and easy to climb.
Other trails, such as the Osseo, branch off the main trail and lead to more challenging terrain.
If you are visiting at a time when snow and ice may be present (in my case the first week of April) bring ice grippers for your boots and a walking stick. The wet icy patches were very slick. Oh, and bring your camera!
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