Also on this trip

Trails Used

Kinsman Ridge Trail, Gordon Pond Spur, Mount Kinsman Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Interestingly, I think this is the first submission covering all these peaks together (Wolf and the two Kinsmans) in a while. Outstanding day in the Whites on every level - temperate weather no higher than the 70s, clear smoke-free skies, 100-mile visibility (to the Adirondacks from South Kinsman), and breezes to keep the bugs away. My brother hiked Franconia Ridge in the morning (which had a cloud cap during the first half of the day that eventually burned off), and so was available to facilitate the car shuttle between the Mount Kinsman Trail and Kinsman Notch. I started at first light from Kinsman Notch (5:15) and saw nobody till after Reel Brook Trail, then people regularly after that. Lots of little ups and downs, it's hard to go super fast! Glad to take the side trip to Gordon Pond to see the nice view of Mount Wolf, but that's too bad to see the trail beyond the pond seems decommissioned (see maintenance notes). As for the former Dilly Trail, its junction with the Kinsman Ridge Trail is unsigned and the tread is pretty faint. It may be invisible in a few years. The west knob of Mount Wolf (considered the true summit) has a faint herd path for the 50 yards or so from the height of land on the AT. The register was last signed a few weeks ago. My favorite view today was the lower ledge beside North Kinsman's summit looking straight down to Kinsman Pond and over to the Franconia battlements. Awesome sights, especially in westerly afternoon light!

Parking

Nothing unusual. My brother picked me up at the Mount Kinsman Trail trailhead, so I was able to skip the $20 fee for that one.

Water Crossings

Streams are on the low side, no problem crossing anything. Trails on the whole are pretty dry, with little mud.

Wildlife

Very breezy, bugs stayed on the lowdown all day. They were only (barely) noticeable at Eliza Brook Shelter.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Campground Road, Lonesome Lake, Fishin Jimmy, Kinsman Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

It’s a great day to be out when Fishin Jimmy is completely dry. Nice breeze up top and low humidity this morning made for a fast and enjoyable hike.

Parking

Parked at Lafayette Campground near the underpass of I-93. Parking lot near bridge is still closed as they are replacing the bridge. Actively working on the replacement so for the time being, make sure to say good morning to the campers as you go by!

Water Crossings

All bridged or easy to rock hop.

Wildlife

Not many.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Franconia Notch Recreation Path, Basin Cacades Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Kinsman Pond Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Lonesome Lake Trail, Around Lonesome Lake Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Basin Cascades trail passes a lot of nice cascades and waterfalls, and was very easy to follow. I saw a few groups who had hiked up just for the cascades and waterfalls, and this is a nice trail for that! Kinsman Pond trail was definitely less used but had very bright blazes and made a steady and gradual climb up to Kinsman Pond, which was a very pretty spot. Last time I was there was in 2017 and it was foggy and the visibility was very limited, so it was nice to finally see the view up to North Kinsman. Kinsman Ridge trail climbs up to North Kinsman at a pretty steep grade and it is gradual in between the two Kinsmans. Kinsman Ridge trail along the Cannonballs has a lot of short and steep sections, including ladders on the south side of Northeast Cannonball, and a lot of ups and downs which got tiring. Lonesome Lake trail down to the hut and Around Lonesome Lake Trail are in great shape and are easy to follow. Lonesome Lake trail is somewhat rugged and is very rocky, which requires care if the rocks are wet. Around Lonesome Lake Trail has a few excellent viewpoints across the lake to Franconia Ridge, which was beautiful. Cascade Brook back down from the hut was smooth sailing and very gradual. I got to check of the Kinsmans in July and a couple more redline trails!

Parking

Plenty of parking at the Flume Gorge parking lot at 8:30 and 3:00.

Water Crossings

All were very easy to rock hop

Wildlife

There were a lot flying around but I didn't get bit or use bug spray, they were mostly just getting annoying if I stopped for too long and the breeze went away.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Kinsman Tr, Kinsman Ridge Tr, Bald Peak Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Three cars in the morning, one in the afternoon. Quiet day overall on trails, maybe saw about 8-10 people all day. Woodland sorrel and bunchberry in flower, blue bead, trillium, lady slippers present but past flowering. Nice lookouts along the ridge towards Lafayette to Flume and beyond. Nice views from Bald Peak, short side trail and worth the add-on. A few muddy spots here and there but nothing major. Detour trail to Mt. kinsman Tr is a nice foot bed, super easy to follow. Neat sections of mossy woodland in mid section of Kinsman Tr.

Parking

Parking in lot off Rt 16, room for about a dozen cars.

Water Crossings

A couple bridged, others rock rops, water levels low

Wildlife

Black flies were annoying today, didn't really care about bug spray. Some slides near summits. Lots of moths.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Better weather than expected, perfect temps to start. 1st .3 is closed due to nesting birds of prey. Button Fern Path will take you to just above the Sugar Shack. Soft trail no rocks or roots to speak of. Very wet & muddy early then just damp for most of the trip. 1st time down to the Flume, very nice but watch the kids and pets. Very cloudy once on the Ridge, bypassed the outlook on North & headed to South. Great 360 views just past summit, only 1 other here. Views into the Notch & of Harrington Pond, so beautiful. Lunch here until black flies drove us away. Back to North outlook, very crowded. We went down to the lower ledges for quiet views into Kinsman Pond. We were joined by the Stormy Weather crew, so nice to see them again! Love to see young kids out there hiking. Great hike with Erik! This Grids out June for me.

Parking

Relocated lot, can fit maybe 20 if parked right. $10 NH $20 non NH

Water Crossings

All 3 were running, low levels, rock hops

Wildlife

Not until South, black flies bothersome then biting. Swarming on North.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Gorgeous day hitting some grid peaks for me and the kiddos, and more importantly 14/48 for my better half, who we have finally convinced that hiking is awesome. First .3 miles from the lot is closed because of aggressive nesting raptors, so the detour takes you on the “button fern” trail, which is quite lovely. Reconnects to KT at the old sugar house or whatever the old structure in the woods is. Trails were a bit wet and muddy today, but nothing crazy. Was nice bumping into Buzza on the pro ledge of North Summit (which was spacious and bug free) where we poked fun at the tourists crowded above us on the amateur ledge taking selfies and getting swarmed by black flies. Also had a lovely chat with an 81-year old woman who is working on her 48 over 80 list-AMAZING!!!

Parking

New fee lot is nice. $10 for NH plates and $20 for all you other folks.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops today

Wildlife

Mostly nonexistent until we hit the ridge past north peak in the early afternoon, then the black flies were swarming. Weren’t biting much, but very annoying until we got back down lower again.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Reel Brook Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Mt. Kinsman Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

We left a car at Mt Kinsman and drove to Reel Brook Trailhead. Good trail conditions on Reel Brook Trail - 3 minor stream crossings. Switched to Kinsman Ridge Trail at 3 miles - the trail follows waterfalls (quite nice) and becomes steeper and rougher. After the falls the trail pitches up and up and up. Lots of scrambling on ledge and boulders to reach the summit. The Kinsman Ridge trail was in good condition as was the Mt Kinsman Trail (short bushwhack re-route at sugarhouse due to birds nesting). Summary - everyone should try this approach at least once - great views - pleasant first 3 miles - interesting section (bog boards,views, Harrington Pond)- steep scramble to South Kinsman summit (great view south from ledge just below summit.

Parking

Parked at the new Mt Kinsman Trailhead Parking - lot was full at 7:45 am -empty at 4:15 pm. Spotted car at Reel Brook Trailhead - no cars at 8:05 am - no cars at 4:30 pm. Both lots in good condition. Mt Kinsman Parking - $10 fee NH cars, $20 fee everyone else.

Water Crossings

Rock Hops - no problems

Wildlife

Minor black flies when out of the wind.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lonesome Lake, Cascade Brook, Fishin’ Jimmy, Kinsman Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great late afternoon out and back. No snow or ice left on Fishin’ Jimmy or Kinsman Ridge except for one small patch on Fishin Jimmy that doesn’t impact trail or warrant spikes. All of the slabs on Fishin’ Jimmy that were wet still had a lot of grip and no moss yet! The new boardwalks around Lonesome Lake are a special treat! Some trees down on Fishin Jimmy but easy to step over/limbo under. Hats off to the AMC staff for all they do with programming and supporting hikers.

Water Crossings

All water crossings on Fishin’ Jimmy are easy to navigate.

Wildlife

None!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lonesome Lake, Fishin’ Jimmy, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Midweek adventure with Fyvie, post office kinda day (nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow…). There’s monorail on and off in some random places starting on the boardwalk. Monorail is generally supportive but also tricky/icy/angled in certain areas. We carried spikes but didn’t use them. The rocks on Effin Jimmy were generally more grippy than slippy but ymmv. Kinsman Ridge Trail has random ice in some tricky spots. Stay frosty up there or you might go for an unpleasant ride.

Parking

Never say never, except when I say I’ll never pay to hike the Kinsmans. Plenty of parking at Lafayette Place for free99.

Water Crossings

Bridged or rock hop

Wildlife

Nada

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Bald Peak Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This past weekend's spring snow started about a quarter mile past Bald Peak trail junction, never more than two inches and melting quickly. Up along the ridge, there is a couple of inches of matted down sloppy snow over the old monorail. Snow is sticky and slippery, but you can do this whole route in boots with care. I had on rock spikes to move faster (put them on a few tenths of a mile below the junction with Kinsman Ridge Trail), and it was just cold enough for no balling up. Soggy late morning giving way to afternoon sunshine. Expect wet and slippery conditions in some areas as the recent snow melts away. If you have a dog, they will have a blast!

Parking

$10 for NH residents $20 for out of state residents

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops at the moment

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Well needed these two for May and also needed a longer test hike with the achilles. No pain for the ankle but wow did winter make a return with a vengeance! Very soon after we started was there snow on the ground with some rain falling from the sky. We only had 1 guy in front of us that only went to the flume and bald peak. We noticed the old monorail under our feet around 3650’ which was stable but getting narrower for sure. Lots of muddy sections and max 4” of freshy snow! We actually made the whole day in no traction but it is only due to the balling would have killed the soul a lot! Did not see many people today out which is nuts as the day started to be better and better. We met 4 sweatshirts who never made it to the real south peak, then 3 more after that before seeing some runners close to the end. Was an epic day with epic company as always! To the Peter than knew me, may we cross paths maybe soon again. 5 left for that grid thing :) 72belowd

Parking

Plenty in the new lot-10 monies were venmoed

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Gorgeous Spring day & PERFECT trail conditions. Get out there and enjoy it! Barely a sign of Winter until ~3k feet, then some ice & snow, but all packed down tightly. I barebooted to the Kinsman Ridge junction, but spikes would be better for the final ascent. Spikes were needed for the final climb to North Kinsman, as it's quite icy & steep in sections. Between the peaks, back to mostly bare rock, then back to snow/ice again for the final push to South Kinsman. Couldn't ask for better conditions in Spring. Photos below!

Parking

20$ fee at the new trailhead ($10 for NH residents). Venmo is accepted (though service is spotty)

Water Crossings

Easily hoppable

Wildlife

Nope nope

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Bald Peak Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Rapidly melting inch of overnight snow on the trail starting just past Bald Peak Spur. A shallow but stable monorail appears a half mile before the junction with Kinsman Ridge Trail. It can be barebooted or spiked to the junction; I threw on spikes and left them on until I returned. Along the ridge over North and to South is a little more icy, but with the warm temps, it's not a problem in spikes. Ledges past North Kinsman are bare, and the summit area of South Kinsman is bare too, bring your rock spikes. Beautiful afternoon with the pooch on the Kinsmans after the early morning weather cleared off. Great views and high clouds today made for a picturesque view of Franconia Ridge from the summits.

Parking

$10 for NH residents, $20 for out of state

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Kinsman Trail and Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare ground on trail until the 2nd water crossing where I donned my rock spikes for the icy water crossing and kept them on to North and South Kinsman and halfway back to North Kinsman. I was getting balling on the spikes in the warming afternoon so switched to my Hillsound Trail Crampons Pro with anti-balling plates and longer teeth and that helped. I kept them on until the Bald Peak Spur Trail then switched to bareboots all the way out. There's an inch up to 3" of fresh snow on top of all the trail hazards (rocks, roots, ice, narrow slippery monorails, postholes) which makes for slower going and tedious at times hiking but overall not bad for April!

Parking

$10 parking fee per car. Just 3 other cars at 745 am.

Water Crossings

1st water crossing was pretty easy rock hop with morning ice but clear in the afternoon. 2nd and 3rd water crossing was pretty icy in the morning requiring spikes but by afternoon they were bareboot rock hops.

Wildlife

A few scouts out and about.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare boots until a few tenths south of the KRT, then microspikes. Large ice patches headed up North, which were soft enough for great traction in spikes. Spikes on and off and on and off again for the ridge. There were some deeper patches of snow that were tending towards deep postholes, but too infrequent for snowshoes. Overall, classic April. Beautiful day!

Parking

Lots of room in the paid lot.

Water Crossings

All easily rock hoppable.

Wildlife

None yet!!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Kinsman, Kinsman Ridge Tr

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Carried snowshoes but didn't use them. Bareboots for the first 2.25 miles or so were fine until the ice patches began. There was a fair amount of ice but my Hillsounds worked great. Sharp Microspikes would likely have worked as well. Monorail was solid though had softened a bit on my return with the sun and warm temps. I only postholed 2 times when I mistakenly stepped too far off center. Flicked tons of small twigs off the trail and picked up several medium sized ones both on my ascent and descent. Chatted a bit with a few friendly folks. What a day!! Views and weather were spectacular!

Parking

plenty of room, pd $20 since I'm an out of stater

Water Crossings

All three streams were easily rock hopped with just a little forethought and caution

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Kinsmans had every possible trail condition you can think of today. Dry leaves, mud, ice, well packed snow. But no post holing and an always creepy sugar shack were the highlights.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The first two miles to the Bald Peak spur is devoid of snow. But once you pass that junction you will need to have sharp micros on from there to the North and South summits. Not really that much time or effort from North to South. Definitely a must do.The snow is solid and I never post holed because I stayed in the center on the trail. I carried my snowshoes on my pack the whole time, but I didn’t need them. Great trail to hike very well maintained. Several tree and limbs on the trail, but nothing required too much effort to avoid. The four streams crossings were easily managed, but as I was told by hiker Chad who was on his way down to be careful of the black ice on the tops of the rocks. Great advice and nice to talk about the trail conditions and hiking too. Thanks. Easy to park, but you need to pay with envelope. Unfortunately no views from the summits or outlooks because of the clouds. Either way it was an excellent day to hike these peaks.

Parking

Easy parking when I got there at 8:30. You need to put money in an envelope and deposit in the box.

Water Crossings

The water crossing were all manageable. Rock hopping, but several rock sticking out of the water were covered in black. Be cautious choosing.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Far better conditions than expected for edge season hiking. Bareboots up to the Bald spur, then spikes for the rest of the hike. The trail is a mix of dry, mud, ice, packed snow, but no post holing today, although someone wasn't so lucky a few days ago. My recommendation - bring the snowshoes and hope you don't need them. As the ridge softens they might be helpful.

Parking

Plenty of parking before sunrise. 7 cars around 11am, with room for 4-5 more.

Water Crossings

Black ice alert! All can be crossed, but black ice is hiding on top of dry looking rocks. Take some care on choosing what to step on and you'll be fine.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lonesome Lake, Fishin’ Jimmy, Kinsman Ridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Beautiful bluebird day! Was going to camp at Kinsman’s Shelter but the rain was moving in on me so I bailed out before the bad weather. Perfect day. The trail conditions are going to change rapidly and may be quite bad by tomorrow.

Water Crossings

Ice bridges on Fishin’ Jimmy trail are getting sketchy.everythingstill in tact though.the snow got much softer in the sun all day and will probably be even worse after tomorrows rain.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Beautiful day, clear skies, and some windy gusts. Trail was a packed highway to Lonesome Lake. Fishin’ Jimmy and Kinsman Ridge trails were consolidated enough that I wore microspikes the whole way. I’d recommend planning on bringing snowshoes once warmer temps are forecasted. Shoutout to Steve—happy trails!

Water Crossings

Manageable. Test before stepping.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I started in bare boots on the Lonesome Lake trail but quickly switched to snowshoes. The trail was packed down but it still felt like walking in sand. Snowshoes were a huge improvement. The closer I got to the hut, the less consolidated the snow was. Fishin Jimmy had seen some traffic. It looked like a pair or 2 of snowshoes had initially tracked it out which were followed by one pair of bare boots. The snow was very unpacked so snowshoes are totally the way to go. Up higher, the usual open areas had drifted back in so I re-broke those. Rick came behind me rocking his orange MSR LAs and really helped pack things down. He opted to only tag the North peak so my tracks are the only ones packing down the South peak. Upon my return, the Lonesome Lake trail was much more packed down due to the warm temps and foot traffic. I kept my snowshoes on because I was lazy but that section could totally be bare booted or spiked. Fishin Jimmy will require snowshoes until things re-freeze - it's way too soft. It was great to bump into friends as I descended and catch up!

Parking

The right side of the lot was plowed and icy when I arrived. A lot of the ice had melted out upon my return.

Water Crossings

Snow bridges were intact. I checked them carefully before trusting them but they held fine.

Wildlife

I saw one flying creature. I may have imagined it.