PINKHAM’S GRANT, N.H. — The Franconia Ridge Trail Loop is one of the most popular hiking trails in New Hampshire and in the region. The trailhead off of I-93 is easy to access, and it offers stunning 360-degree views, which have landed it on National Geographic’s list of 10 mind-blowing hikes. 

At its busiest, the 8.9-mile loop trail can attract as many as 1,200 hikers per day, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club, a nonprofit that maintains the trails.But its popularity, paired with changing weather conditions, has taken a toll, and some sections of the trail have fallen into disrepair. Now, a $1.35 million restoration project is underway to repair the trail and rebuild sections of it so visitors will be able to enjoy it for years to come.

The Appalachian Mountain Club initiated the project, with agreement and guidance from the US Forest Service. The project received $1.125 million in federal funding and the AMC contributed an additional $225,000 for the project. Crews began repairing sections of trail located on federal land in 2022, and work is expected to continue through 2026 as part of the five-year project. Some of the trails were built even before AMC’s founding in 1876, which makes it the oldest outdoor group in the country, according to the organization. For example, the Bridle Path, one of the four trails that make up the Franconia Loop, was opened in the 1850s as an activity for visitors staying in the area.

Read the Full Story Here