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Cannon Mountain via Kinsman Trail

Hike up to Cannon Mountain via the Kinsman Ridge Trail

Cannon Mountain via Kinsman Trail

Hike up to Cannon Mountain via the Kinsman Ridge Trail

Details

This is a relatively short hike, as it is only 2.2 miles from the Cannon Mtn. Tramway parking lot (1,980') to the summit (4,100').  However, the trek up the Kinsman Ridge Trail is fairly steep and challenging.  This itinerary offers us the opportunity to look over the ledges as we approach the summit, where the iconic Old Man of the Mountain used to "live."  There are still some re-bars and cables visible that at one time held the granite boulders together, that made up the profile of the Old Man.  The hope was that these supports would keept it from tumbling down.  They eventuallly gave way to nature on 4/26/2003, when Old Man fell down into the valley.  At the summit we will have an option of going back down the way we came, or to take the tramway down.  If you are peak-bagging, however, taking the tramway will negate the climb, so let the group know if this is the case, as some of us will definitely have to return on foot.

There is food for sale at the summit, and refreshments.  However, you may want to bring your own lunch and snacks, as the summit cafe is decidely not a treat to the palate.  Also bring about a liter of water, for the climb up.

Rain will cancel this event.

Directions

We will meet in front of the Cannon Mtn. Tramway station and visitor center.  This is easily accessible from I-93, at its own designated exit: 34C.  It is well marked, and the exit ramp takes you directly to the parking area.

Saturday, August 12, 2017
Franconia, NH · Directions
Meet at 9:00 AM
Hosted by JPHiker
6/10 signed up
Cannon Mountain via Kinsman Trail

About this event

This is a relatively short hike, as it is only 2.2 miles from the Cannon Mtn. Tramway parking lot (1,980') to the summit (4,100').  However, the trek up the Kinsman Ridge Trail is fairly steep and challenging.  This itinerary offers us the opportunity to look over the ledges as we approach the summit, where the iconic Old Man of the Mountain used to "live."  There are still some re-bars and cables visible that at one time held the granite boulders together, that made up the profile of the Old Man.  The hope was that these supports would keept it from tumbling down.  They eventuallly gave way to nature on 4/26/2003, when Old Man fell down into the valley.  At the summit we will have an option of going back down the way we came, or to take the tramway down.  If you are peak-bagging, however, taking the tramway will negate the climb, so let the group know if this is the case, as some of us will definitely have to return on foot.

There is food for sale at the summit, and refreshments.  However, you may want to bring your own lunch and snacks, as the summit cafe is decidely not a treat to the palate.  Also bring about a liter of water, for the climb up.

Rain will cancel this event.

Directions to the trailhead

Get directions
Opens turn-by-turn directions to Franconia, NH, 03223 in Google Maps (new tab).

We will meet in front of the Cannon Mtn. Tramway station and visitor center.  This is easily accessible from I-93, at its own designated exit: 34C.  It is well marked, and the exit ramp takes you directly to the parking area.

Who's going (6)

JPHiker SUSTAINING
JPHiker
Jamaica Plain, MA
J GUEST MEMBER
jbb17
Burlington, VT
HikerBiker SUSTAINING
HikerBiker
Manchester, NH
Philip GUEST MEMBER
Philip
Tuftonboro, NH
Cblaiz SUSTAINING
Cblaiz
Southington, CT
A member
Profile hidden

Questions about this event?

Reach out to the host, JPHiker, for route details, carpooling, or what to bring.

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