North Lincoln, also known as Mount Truman, is a 5,000-foot rocky knob on the Franconia Range ridge between Mount Lincoln to the south and Mount Lafayette to the north. It falls short of the prominence threshold for the NH 48 list but earns its own spot as peak #14 on the Trailwrights 72. The summit sits squarely in the alpine zone, part of the third largest contiguous stretch of alpine tundra east of the Rocky Mountains.
Most hikers reach North Lincoln as part of the Franconia Ridge Loop, departing from Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch State Park. The loop ascends the Falling Waters Trail past waterfalls and Shining Rock before breaking into the open above treeline on Little Haystack Mountain. From there the Franconia Ridge Trail, coinciding with the Appalachian Trail, runs north along an exposed rock spine through Mount Lincoln, across the North Lincoln knob, and on to Lafayette, covering roughly 8.9 miles and 3,900 feet of elevation gain in total. Greenleaf Hut sits just below Lafayette and provides water and shelter on the descent.
The ridge from Little Haystack to Lafayette is entirely above treeline, offering continuous 360-degree views across the White Mountains and the Pemigewasset Wilderness to the east. Weather can deteriorate rapidly on this exposed crest; carry full foul-weather gear and watch forecasts carefully before committing to the crossing. Winter conditions require crampons and ice axe experience.
