The Lonesome Lake Trail to the Hut is always nice. It is a rewarding workout with great views if the weather is right. The side trail to frozen Kinsman Pond is worth the bother, casually stretched below beneath the sheer ledges of North Kinsman!

If we have warmer spring like conditions we still will need to pack snowshoes. Melting and refreezing snow = ice so bring light traction. It will be a long day of hiking in winter conditions. This is a pretty significant hike, prior winter hiking experience is needed. All the appropriate winter gear is needed. Winter boots, snowshoes, light traction, etc. If you have any questions about what to wear or bring, email us. Prepare for all conditions.

We will be starting at the Lonesome Lake trailhead at Lafayette Campground [parking lot is plowed in winter for access to Lonesome Lake hut]. From here we will follow the Lonesome Lake trail to the Fishin’ Jimmy trail to Kinsman Ridge. From here we will summit North and South Kinsman, then turn around and head back the way we hiked in. Trip totals: 11 miles with 3,700’ elevation gain.

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the fireplace and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at my house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night for $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email me ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Carpooling: Contact other guys living near you for carpooling. If you are driving up I-93, meet Jon and I off the Exit 28 ramp at the Post Office parking lot for 7:45 A.M.

Follow Interstate 93 north until it becomes the Fraconia Notch Parkway. Trailhead parking for this hike is available on either side of the parkway. Northbound, pass Parkway exit 1 and the unnumbered exit for The Basin. After the road narrows to one lane in this direction, drive about a quarter of a mile farther and take the next unnumbered exit for trailhead parking. A pedestrian underpass allows you to safely cross the highway to reach Lonesome Lake Trailhead.

Southbound, depart the highway at the well-marked exit for Lafayette Place Campground. As you turn off the parkway, trailhead parking will be immediately on the left. If you wish to park on this side, but you're heading north, you must drive all the way through the notch to the Tramway exit [number two] and return southbound.

We'll be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser and will meet at the Lonesome Lake Trailhead sign.