Location and surroundings
Mount Lincoln belongs to the Appalachian Mountains > Northern U.S. Appalachians > White Mountains > Franconia Area > Franconia Range. It is in the municipality of Franconia, Grafton County, in New Hampshire, United States. At 1,551 m, it ranks 14th among New Hampshire’s named peaks and 2nd in the Franconia Range.
The mountain sits on a high ridge above Franconia Notch, with steep mountain terrain on both sides. The west side drains toward the main stem of the Pemigewasset River, while the east side drains into Lincoln Brook and then the Franconia Branch of the Pemigewasset. The ridge setting means exposed weather, rocky ground, and a long alpine feel for much of the approach.
Neighbouring peaks
Mount Lincoln is part of a compact ridge with several nearby summits and passes. The closest named peaks and passes are:
- Little Haystack Mountain, 1,440 m, 0.9 km S
- Mount Lafayette, 1,600 m, 1.3 km N
- Mount North Lafayette, 1,519 m, 2.0 km N
- Owls Head, 1,227 m, 3.2 km E
- Mount Liberty, 1,353 m, 3.7 km S
- Cannon Mountain, 1,244 m, 4.4 km W
- Mount Flume, 1,316 m, 4.6 km S
- Mount Garfield, 1,345 m, 5.1 km NE
The nearest higher peak is Mount Lafayette, 1.3 km to the north. That makes Lincoln a key point on the Franconia Ridge, but not the highest one.
The view from the summit
From Mount Lincoln, the highest nearby peaks within 25 km include several major White Mountains summits. To the north is North Lincoln at 1,524 m, 0.7 km away, and farther north Mount Lafayette rises 1.3 km away. Other high points in the wider view are South Twin Mountain to the northeast, Mount Bond to the east, Mount Carrigain farther east, Mount Hancock to the southeast, and Mount Moosilauke to the southwest.
Because Lincoln sits on an open ridge, the summit outlook is shaped by the Franconia Range and the surrounding White Mountains rather than by a single isolated peak. The ridge position gives broad views in several directions when weather is clear.
The range
Mount Lincoln is part of the Franconia Range, which is the narrowest range in the hierarchy given here. Its highest peak is Mount Lafayette at 1,600 m, about 1 km north of Lincoln. The range contains 19 named peaks, and Lincoln ranks 2nd by elevation among them.
The Franconia Range lies within the White Mountains of New Hampshire and forms one of the best-known ridge lines in the northern Appalachians. Lincoln’s position just below Lafayette makes it one of the main summits on that ridge, rather than a side peak.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER climate data for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for much of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 12 °C, and the coldest is January, at about -13 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are expected in May, June, July, August, September and October.
Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 1,200 mm a year, with the wettest month in June at about 125 mm and the driest in January at about 65 mm. Typical hazards here include rapid weather changes, strong wind on the ridge, fog, cold rain, winter ice, and snowfields that can linger well into the warm season.
Best time to visit
The most practical months for a visit are usually the period when the summit is above freezing, especially May through October. Even then, the ridge can be windy and cold, so summer conditions are not guaranteed at 1,551 m. Early season snow, wet rock, and sudden cloud cover can still affect travel.
For drier conditions, the climate figures point to late spring through early autumn as the better window, with June the wettest month on average. In the shoulder seasons, carry insulation and be ready for winter-like weather at the summit even when the valleys are mild.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in the White Mountains, where lower slopes are typically forested and the upper ridge becomes rocky, exposed, and sparse in vegetation. At this elevation, alpine plants are limited to hardy species that can handle wind, thin soils, and a short growing season. The open ridge also supports broad views across the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Wildlife in this region commonly includes mountain birds, small mammals, and larger forest animals on the lower slopes. On the ridge itself, weather and terrain matter more than dense vegetation, so hikers should expect bare rock, krummholz in sheltered spots, and changing conditions rather than a sheltered mountain environment.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Mount Lincoln, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers in stable summer conditions, but it can be useful in poor visibility, winter, or when snow and ice remain on the ridge. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the United States include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming.
Safety and preparation
Mount Lincoln is a high ridge peak, so preparation should match alpine conditions rather than a casual lowland walk. Wind, cold, wet rock, fog, and sudden weather shifts are the main concerns, and snow or ice can remain on the upper mountain outside midsummer. Good footwear, warm layers, navigation skills, and a realistic turnaround time are important.
For emergencies in the United States, call 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park authority. On exposed ridges, mobile service may be available in some places but should never be relied on for safety.
History and name
Mount Lincoln is also known as Mount Pleasant and ماؤنٹ لنکن. The mountain’s name is used for the summit on the Franconia Ridge between Little Haystack and Mount Lafayette. The Appalachian Trail crosses this ridge, linking Lincoln to one of the best-known long-distance routes in the eastern United States.
The naming history is not detailed here, but the mountain’s identity is closely tied to the Franconia Range and the ridge line above Franconia Notch. Its alternate names show that it has been recorded under more than one form in different contexts.
Interesting facts
Mount Lincoln is the 2nd highest of the 19 named peaks in the Franconia Range and the 14th highest of New Hampshire’s 1,740 named peaks. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Lafayette, 1.3 km to the north, and Lafayette is also the high point of the range at 1,600 m.
The summit sits on a ridge crossed by the Appalachian Trail, and the mountain drains in two directions: west toward the main stem of the Pemigewasset River and east toward Lincoln Brook. That ridge-and-drainage position is a key part of its character.
FAQ
How high is Mount Lincoln? It rises to 1,551 m.
Where is Mount Lincoln? It is in Franconia, Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States, in the Franconia Range of the White Mountains.
What range is Mount Lincoln part of? It belongs to the Franconia Range, within the White Mountains and the broader Appalachian Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks? Little Haystack Mountain is 0.9 km south, Mount Lafayette is 1.3 km north, and Mount North Lafayette is 2.0 km north.
Is there water on the way to Mount Lincoln? The ridge itself is dry, so carry your own water. For a day trip, plan on about 1.5–3 litres depending on heat and route length; in cold weather, snowmelt should be treated if used.
How long does it take to climb Mount Lincoln? The best estimate depends on your starting point and conditions. From the ridge, the real path may be longer than a simple distance-and-height estimate.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable on Mount Lincoln? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On an open ridge it may be possible, but it can fail in valleys and behind ridges. Dial 112 or 911 for emergency services over any available network, and download maps before you go.