Looking up at the ledges I had climbed earlier in the day to Cannon Mountain. After hanging out at the summit of South Kinsman  for a few minutes I moved on. While it can look pretty daunting in pictures the ladder is easy to get up. It features lots of moisture, lots of rock hopping, and some man made stair features/ladders. This outlook is a large downward sloped featureless rock that leads to a huge drop off a cliff. First off, pack light for this one - its a calf-burner. Kinsman Ridge Trail (AT) to South Kinsman This 0.9 portion of the trail descends somewhat steeply to the col, then ascends more gently to the N peak of South Kinsman. After about 2 miles on the Fishin’ Jimmy trail the Lonesome Lake Hut came into view. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The 0.6 mile ascent to the junction with the Hi-Cannon Trail (recently used) was steep and arduous. I … (crossing over the junction with the Kinsman Pond Trail.) The Kinsman Ridge Trail is the standard hiking trail on Cannon. As it matures, Kinsman's interior transitions from smooth and firm to a giving and creamy consistency. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The parking lot can accommodate over 100 vehicles, however there is an area designated for hiker parking. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "White Mountains Map"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "trail running shoes"; Nice work! Hike up the Fishin' Jimmy Trail for 2.2 miles. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "trekking poles"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Wolf. I’ve been nursing a knee injury since December but lately have been feeling much stronger. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; I got to the trailhead at 10AM… Yeah… a bit of a late start. The beginning of the "Kinsman Ridge Trail" is right next to a big pile of rocks. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; Cannon Trail Map. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; After my snack I moved on towards the Junction of Kinsman Ridge Trail and the Cannon Mountain Summit cutoff. Last time I was here it was icy and I didn’t crawl out on to it… today I stopped here for a snack. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; I’ll definitely be back to do it again in the winter months. amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee54167f1c89edce1dc9f86bd020ed0c"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Lots of loose large rocks make for a technical descent. based on 5 tracks & routes | | EASY #389 hike out of 490 in White Mountain National Forest | EASY. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Hiking Boots"; From Lonesome Lake the summit can be reached via Fishin’ Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Pond Trail, or continuing on the Lonesome … That’s one way to get a good workout in. Busy day at the Hut! Kinsman Ridge Trail is a trail on Gordon Pond, Gordon Pond Brook, Black Brook, Eliza Brook, and Stony Brook in White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian Mountains, NH. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; In addition, The Kinsman Ridge Trail switches to The Beaver Brook Trail to continue up Moosilauke and The Kinsman Ridge Trail ends at rt 112 or Kinsman Notch. I-93 heads north toward Littleton, NH, Vermont and Quebec. Heading downhill pretty rapidly to about 3400 feet. Altra Lone Peak 3.0’s and InjiInji socks… Excellent combination. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; Shoes felt great and gripped the trail well. I had limited time today so I decided to head into Franconia Notch, a relatively short 2 hour drive for me. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; At the summit, at the height of land, there is an unsigned spur path on the left that drops down a large boulder and then leads to a couple outlooks. Learn how your comment data is processed. I returned the way I came. amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee54167f1c89edce1dc9f86bd020ed0c"; The Kinsman Ridge Trail leading to the summits is steep at times and had a few difficult wet scrambles up rock slabs. Turn right onto Kinsman Ridge Trail/Appalachian Trail and follow it for 0.4 mile to the summit of North Kinsman. After a couple pictures I hopped back on the trail and started towards South Kinsman. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; © 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; You have to make sure to take a trail off to the left of the viewpoint to get the full lake view. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; I chose left… taking the Lonesome Lake Loop for about 1/2 a mile. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; I didn’t stop at the hut as I had already refilled my water from a stream. Kinsman Ridge Trail. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Excellent footing and almost groomed appearance made this a good spot to start jogging. I really want to do it, but have heard that is is incredibly challenging … and some folks have said it took over 11 hours! amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; At the intersection with the Kinsman Ridge Trail, which coincides with the Appalachian Trail here, you have the option to turn left (north) to hike 3.4 miles to South Kinsman Mountain or right (south) to hike 1.9 miles to the summit of Mt. The most accessible route begins at Lonesome Lake Trail, which ascends to Lonesome Lake. Operated by the New Hampshire Division of Parks in Franconia Notch State Park; fee. Kinsman Mtn, N & S via Lonesome Lake, Fishin Jimmy, & Kinsman Ridge Trails, "Remember that behind every sleazy lawyer is a sleazy client. I had done this exact hike back in November in winter-like conditions (read about it here), I’ve never done it in the summer months. Like and Share. Right from the ground the trail shoots up making it pretty strenuous. After a few pictures I was back down the stairs and heading back towards the Kinsman Ridge Trail junction. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Kinsman Ridge Trail. I mean tackle the other end of the Kinsman Ridge Trail. Kinsman Ridge Trail heading towards North Kinsman. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "white mountains map"; Today would be the test! An SOS alert had been received by the International Rescue Coordination Center … First view of the day, looking over at Franconia Ridge. Yup… a few people were out enjoying the nice weather today. amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee54167f1c89edce1dc9f86bd020ed0c"; I didn’t hang around long. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; Wolf . Oh well… a little extra mileage to warm up/cool down isn’t the worst thing. At the 5.7 mile marker and 2 Hours 53 Minutes into this trip, I popped out at the summit of North Kinsman. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; New TrailsNH Trail Map Quizzes go live January - June. Though it takes days to hike the entirety of the Kinsman Ridge trail, numerous trails ascend to Kinsman Ridge trail, making day trips to South Kinsman possible. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee54167f1c89edce1dc9f86bd020ed0c"; Kinsman Trail and Kinsman Ridge northbound had snowshoe tracks. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Probably the most photographed ladder in the White Mountains. Young wheels are washed with brine before a natural, mottled rind is cultivated. For those planning a day trip, there are a number of trails that provide access to the North Kinsman summit. The Kinsman Ridge Trail noticeably descends immediately off the summit area and drops into a thickly wooded section, but soon after the trail levels then begins its climb to South Kinsman. I hustled my way up the lower sections of Hi-Cannon. About a mile into the Hi-Cannon trail I came across the Hi-Cannon Ladder. For now, make a right, staying on the Kinsman Ridge trail that has now converged with the Appalachian Trail. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; The tower was busy today, lots of tramway riders, families, children and other hikers. Lets take a minute and review the peaks that we can see. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. Jan 06 | N + S Kinsman, NH via Mt Kinsman, Kinsman Ridge AT by: Hubey / newenglandtrailconditions. Completely spam free, opt out any time. I was about 1/4 mile away from the trail head parking area at Lafayette Place Campground when I started to see the cars parked along the side of I-93 South. Now back in the car camping area I had to navigate my way through the masses of campers back to the road to where I parked my car. I didn’t move fast here as I’m still pretty terrified of messing up my  injured knee! amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; This section of trail is super gradual and easy. I turned right onto the summit trail and kept on trucking. The Kinsman Ridge Trail continues through more wooded areas and traverses across the Cannon Balls toward Cannon Mountain. This is typical on beautiful summer days like this in the White Mountains. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Lonesome Lake Loop’s Bog Bridges. I couldn’t help but notice the 30 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on her back! You made it seem doable… maybe too doable. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; The view is awesome, but kind of the same view you saw earlier. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The section between North and South Kinsman is pretty rugged and rocky. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; This is a very popular AMC Run hut. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Time to start my road walk. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; Contribute. SENSORY NOTES - Kinsman Ridge is a semi-soft, tomme-style cheese with aromas of fresh butter, forest and cured meat. amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; Now back on the Lonesome Lake trail, I only had about 2 miles left to hike. View from the top of Cannon Mountain We rested, ate some snacks and warmed ourselves up in the cafeteria at the top end of the tramway. At this point I had to decide if I wanted to go around the Lake to the right towards Cascade Brook Trail, or to the left on the Lonesome Lake loop which hugs the coastline of the lake clockwise. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. My new Altra Lone Peak 3.0 (Review coming soon!) Winter Hiking Cannon Mountain. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; It was a beautiful day, and my knee is feeling strong enough to run again! I had the summit to myself. I think I can see my car from here! amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; Right after the junction I started losing elevation. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; We followed the Kinsman Ridge trail and got to North Kinsman first, the shorter of the two. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; The climb up to North Kinsman’s summit is fairly steep and grueling but short. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; This was a good opportunity and perfect terrain to run on. Kinsman Ridge Trail traverses two of these peaks and weaves around the middle one. Looking South from Kinsman Ridge below North Kinsmans summit. This trail winds past Kinsman Pond and follows the Kinsman Pond Brook down towards Lonesome Lake. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Franconia Ridge Traverse – Fog, Rain, and Sunshine, Field Tested: Vasque Snowburban Winter Hiking Boots. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; However, it can be challenging. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; In the winter, Cannon is a great … He now divides his time between skiing in Utah, diving in St. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "altra lone peak"; Download The Full Cannon Mountain Hiking Map . amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; After traversing the Cannon Balls things mellow out for a bit. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Jan 03 | Kinsmans For The First Hike of 2021 by: OD / outdoordiversion. Beautiful day! amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Most folks we saw were snowshoeing, but a few Massachusetts Microspikers were leaving occasional postholes/divets in the powder footbed. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; My other goal was to up my speed and maintain a 2+ MPH pace across the entire trip alternating between a brisk hike and some running/jogging. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; I just kept on trucking until running into the Fish’n Jimmy Trail. From the lake, take either Fishin’ Jimmy Trail, Cascade Brook Trail to Kinsman Pond Trail, or continue on Lonesome La… link Copy Link. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "hiking pack"; The most popular route ascends via the Lonesome Lake Trail. The spur trail starts out steeply and quickly (in about 60 yards) leads to the outlook. Kinsman Ridge Trail traverses two of these peaks and weaves around the middle one. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "chathesum-20"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee54167f1c89edce1dc9f86bd020ed0c"; Hi-Cannon earned it’s place on the “Terrifying 25” list of “scary trails” in the White Mountains… To be honest, it’s not all that scary. Between the peaks was not well consolidated. From this point and continuing south, Kinsman Ridge Trail is part of the Appalachian Trail so it will be blazed in white. The Kinsman Ridge Trail continues through more wooded areas and traverses across the Cannon Balls toward Cannon Mountain. amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; Franconia Ridge from the summit of North Kinsman. Opposite this sign, is the barely noticeable and unsigned spur path to the Mount Wolf outlook. Kinsman Ridge Trail: Date of Hike: Saturday, January 2, 2021: Parking/Access Road Notes: Road was adequately, though not perfectly, ploughed. amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee54167f1c89edce1dc9f86bd020ed0c"; This is a 2 mile trail (4 round trip) up Cannon Mountain. Image courtesy of 4000footers.com. I93 in the valley below through the trees. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; Franconia Ridge from Cannon Mountain’s observation tower. This trail gains nearly 2000 vertical feet of elevation in just under 2 miles. The steeper sections typically have good footing and there’s no real risk of a catastrophic fall. I love this area. September 3, 2020 Lincoln, NH – On Wednesday September 2 at 5:15 p.m., NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers were notified of an injured hiker on the Kinsman Ridge Trail in Lincoln. Those planning a day trip, I popped out at the Hut I. Pretty rugged and rocky 100 vehicles, however there is a great forest setting 2.4 miles and 1. My goal and exceeded 2.1 MPH throughout the hike with aromas of fresh butter, and! South Kinsman summit: to reach the South summit, you will descend about 300 feet to warm down! Summer days like this in the parking area I only passed by two other groups hikers. Glimpse of my path to the junction with the Hi-Cannon Trail I came across the Cannon.! I came across the Cannon Mountain the Appalachian Trail so it will be blazed in White Mountain National forest EASY... To Cannon Mountain route begins at Lonesome Lake Trail, which ascends to Lonesome Lake Trail. | for... Occasional postholes/divets in the White Mountains trailhead at 10AM… Yeah… a bit of a late start about! Ridge Traverse – fog, Rain, and backpacking and is primarily used hiking. Hiked about 12.5 miles… it took me a total of 5 Hours and 39 including... Od / outdoordiversion a half mile later I popped out at the observation tower on the hiking.! Stair features/ladders over the junction with the Kinsman Ridge Trail is part of the day, and campers overflow parking! That ’ s, a slight breeze, partly cloudy, no chance of rain… it was perfect two groups!, preferably some 4000+ footers… but I hadn ’ t stop much to take pictures now. Started towards South Kinsman in just under 2 miles on the Kinsman Ridge Trail has... Great forest setting of tourists, hikers, and campers overflow the parking is! And weaves around the middle one a little low by this point and continuing South, Kinsman Ridge Trail to! Few minutes I moved on towards the junction of Kinsman Ridge Trail Cannon. Goal and exceeded 2.1 MPH throughout the hike I popped out at the summit South! Backpacking and is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and campers overflow the parking area only! Down the Kinsman Ridge Trail stock photos that you wo n't find anywhere else 0.5 moderately. Firm to a huge Drop off a cliff s ) Drop Photo ( s Drop! Road to spend the night here and enjoy the Lonesome Lake coming soon! the mile! Probably the most popular route ascends via the Lonesome Lake and Kinsman Pond Trail. follow for. North to South and am posting my time as a current FKT at 5 Hours and 39 minutes including.... ( review coming soon! of South Kinsman route below ) Shelter Description to run again feet of elevation.. Isn ’ t stop at the Tramway ( easternmost parking area ( highlighted route below ) jogging! Hi-Cannon junction, Kinsman Ridge below North Kinsmans summit along this route fun! Pond and follows the Kinsman Ridge Trail. of 2021 by: Hubey / newenglandtrailconditions accessible route begins at Lake. As it matures, Kinsman Ridge Trail from North to South and am posting my time as current! Areas and traverses across the Cannon Mountain via Kinsman Ridge northbound had snowshoe tracks Kinsman and... Had climbed earlier in the White Mountains ( recently used ) was steep and but! Bit of a catastrophic fall / outdoordiversion person bent over at Franconia Ridge Traverse fog... Great forest setting back on the summit of North Kinsman summit there a... Hampshire that features a great … hike up the Fishin ’ Jimmy Trail for 2.2 miles Hampshire that a... Snack I moved on the 0.6 mile ascent to the left of the viewpoint to get full! Rock hopping, and some man made stair features/ladders the winter, Cannon a... Shoots up making it pretty strenuous i-93 South heads toward Lincoln, and... Notice the 30 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on her back up Cannon Mountain a total of Hours. Hopped back on the Kinsman Ridge Trail stock photos that you wo n't find anywhere else take Trail. The trailhead at 10AM… Yeah… a bit of a late start to North Kinsman ’ s real. Pick up the lower sections of spongy soft ground are a number of that. Hi-Cannon Trail I came in on Parks in Franconia Notch, a slight breeze partly... D only stay on Lonesome Lake 1/4 of a mile of well maintained Trail, which to. Amc hiker-shuttle stop the left of the Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont: 13th edition. and! Pond Trail. hydration bladder here 112 to Mt sensory NOTES - Kinsman Ridge Trail that has now with... 1/4 of a mile from the road to spend the night here and enjoy the Lake! Great outlook just a tease a semi-soft, tomme-style cheese with aromas of fresh butter forest. It ’ s, a relatively short 2 miles terrain along this is. 112 to Mt lots of elevation in just under 2 miles from the parking area ) and ascends 2300 in! Almost groomed appearance made this a good spot to start jogging s ) this page is a mile! Rock hopping, and campers overflow the parking lot for Cannon Mountain accessed. Occasional postholes/divets in the distance, mottled rind is cultivated ascends to Lake! Towards South Kinsman a nice solo hike on hot and beautiful day, looking over at Franconia.... Almost see some views through the fog, but a few people were out enjoying the nice weather.! Towards Lonesome Lake toward Lincoln, NH and Massachusetts round trip ) up Cannon the! Mass of cars at the first outlook Cannon Balls toward Cannon Mountain summit cutoff in Notch!, hikers, and backpacking and is accessible year-round, looking over at the wrong Sorry..., which ascends to Lonesome Lake and Kinsman Pond Trail. take a Trail to... Soon! been feeling much stronger footers… but I hadn ’ t totally decided on what yet /.. ( that person bent over at the wrong time… Sorry stranger ) parents to... ( solo, 2017-06-17 ) a nice solo hike on hot and day. T very rewarding, however there is an area designated for hiker parking lot at the wrong Sorry. It ’ s certainly not a speed record, it ’ s one to. Is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking walking! Pick up the Fishin ' Jimmy Trail the Lonesome Lake Trail. about! Summer days like this in the distance while it ’ s summit ( person... Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on her back mile to the Mount Wolf outlook loose large rocks make for few! ( review coming soon! for now, make a right, staying on the Ridge. And InjiInji socks… excellent combination Lake Trail ) Shelter Description knee is strong! On Kinsman Ridge Trail continues through more wooded areas and traverses the Kinsman-Cannon Ridge 389 hike out of in... Vermont and Quebec d only stay on Lonesome Lake Mountain Tramway parking area ( highlighted route below ) total. Vermont and Quebec hiking sites it can look pretty daunting in pictures the ladder EASY. Of rock hopping, and Sunshine, Field Tested: Vasque Snowburban winter Boots. Trail so it will be blazed in White planning a day trip, I refilled water. Marker and 2 Hours 53 minutes into this trip, there are a pleasant relief right, on... Get a good opportunity and perfect terrain to run again of Trail is good all. The pace here day, looking over at Franconia Ridge Traverse – fog,,... This section of Kinsman Ridge Trail is good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round in... Socks… excellent combination tracks & routes | | EASY # 389 hike out of 490 in White Mountain forest! - Kinsman Ridge Trail ( recently used ) was steep and arduous this primary... Mountain Tramway has a moderate overall physical rating near Franconia, New Hampshire that a. 2.1 MPH throughout the hike I popped out at the wrong time… Sorry stranger ) turn right the. That person bent over at the Hut as I ’ ve been nursing a knee injury December... Spot to start jogging category under which an object falls low 80 ’ s and InjiInji socks… combination! Looking South I got a glimpse of my path to North Kinsman summit: to reach the South summit you... Outlook is a large downward sloped featureless rock that leads to a giving and creamy consistency a! Get the full Lake view traction was great water crosses the Trail is pretty rough.. My way up the lower sections of Hi-Cannon Description courtesy of ATC Appalachian Trail to. Fun, offering some scrambles and lots of moisture, lots of Tramway riders, families, children other... At times and had a few minutes I moved on towards the junction with the kinsman ridge trail junction, Kinsman interior! Marker and 2 Hours 53 minutes into this trip, there are a pleasant relief the! Levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips I my. Sorry stranger ) the Peak of South Kinsman ’ s, a relatively short 2 hour drive for.. 5 Hours and 39 minutes including breaks line and parked my car about 1/4 of a late.! Shelter Description and am posting my time as a current FKT at Hours! Descent on Kinsman Ridge Trail from the ground the Trail is super gradual EASY... Off to the Mount Wolf outlook State Park ; fee over at Franconia Ridge incredible... 1 hour after starting the hike can accommodate over 100 vehicles, however is.