Greenleaf Hut

Greenleaf Hut is an AMC backcountry lodging hut at about 4,200 feet below Mount Lafayette, with a common dining room and broad views of the surrounding peaks. It gives day hikers a warm place to pause and overnight hikers a bed along the Franconia Ridge route. This is a serious hike, not a roadside stop.

The usual approach follows Old Bridle Path 2.9 miles uphill from the trailhead, gaining about 2,500 feet. AMC rates it strenuous and estimates 2.5–5 hours from the trailhead. Lafayette Place is an alternate parking option; peak-season overflow parking may use a shuttle, whose dates change.

During full-service season, day hikers can use the dining room, refill water, and buy hot drinks, soup, snacks and limited gear. Reserved overnight stays include family-style dinner and breakfast; offerings vary by season. Check dates before making the hut your only food or overnight plan.

The 48 bunks are in shared, co-ed rooms. Rooms are unheated and have no overhead lights or electrical outlets; bring a sleeping bag, warm layers and a headlamp. Expect communal hut living, not privacy or hotel conveniences.

From the hut you can look toward Franconia Ridge, Cannon Mountain and the Kinsmans, with Eagle Lake beside the building. For a view that includes the hut and lake, hike higher toward North Lafayette and look back.

The hut opened July 5, 1930, and is named for Colonel Charles Greenleaf, an AMC donor. AMC chose a treeline site overlooking Eagle Lake. Construction materials came up with 41 donkeys; the Old Bridle Path was first cut in 1852 for Profile House guests riding toward Lafayette.