A $1.1 million federal grant will be used to repair and enhance the popular Franconia Ridge loop series of trails in Franconia Notch. The work will take place over the next five years, starting with six to eight weeks of trail work planned this fall on the Old Bridle Path.

During peak season, the heavily used trail system can see over 1,000 hikers a day, many of whom traverse the 11.4-mile loop comprising the Franconia Ridge Trail, Falling Waters Trail, Greenleaf Trail and Old Bridle Path. The grant will only cover sections of the system inside the White Mountains National Forest, however.

Currently, all trails are scheduled to remain open during the work, which will be overseen by the Appalachian Mountain Club.