North & South Kinsman Hike

Around 9am six GOers were ready and set off on the trail. I started off on snowshoes whereas everyone else wore MicroSpikes. The snow was getting softer and at the site of the former Kinsman Cabin everyone else put on their snowshoes except for Martin. There appeared to be a group ahead of us breaking trail. We were feeling strong and seem to be having no problems that would hold us back.

At the junction of Bald Peak we found the trail to the peak not broken. At this point Martin put on his snowshoes. Jon and I took turns breaking 0.2 mile of trail to the summit. The bare, flat summit at 2,470 feet had good views over Easton valley, Mt. Moosilauke, Benton Range, mountains in Vermont and the looming wooded wall of North Kinsman where we were going to.  

After Bald Peak we started our climb up to Mt. Kinsman enjoying the ease of movement on the trail as we began to take on some of the elevation gain. The wind was not nearly as strong as was forecasted so, we were leaning towards a successful day.

The trail remained in in great shape and we make our way over to the junction of the Kinsman Ridge Trail. Heading up, the trees began to dress themselves with much more snow. For some reason, the climb up began to be much harder than I remember so I was struggling up the ascent. We hit the junction and stop for some food and a rest. The temps were great in the upper 20s, however if we stand for too long, we began to feel cold. Jon and I lead the way and because of the snow cover, we moved quickly. On the summit of Mt. Kinsman we had lunch on its ledge where the sun broke out of the clouds just in time. The views are impressive and the clouds are dramatic. We all take in the sights and are in awe. The trees that line the trail are frozen solid and glistening from the sun.

Back on the trail towards South Kinsman, the trail is thankfully broken. We begin to run into groups that broke the trail. We continue to move in and out of the trees and up and down in elevation slightly. We arrived at the summit in great spirits and congratulate one another. It is not long before we head back and make our way over the trail we just walked. Dealing of course with the section of climbing up North Kinsman again, we take our time.

As we make our way back to the cars, we discover the trail has remained perfect with no post holers. We don’t spend a lot of time at the junction for the Mt. Kinsman trail, just enough to get our breath and give our feet a rest. There were a couple sections where we could butt slide. At the junction for Bald Peak we noticed a bunch of packs left behind as a large group went up to Bald Peak. We continue back to the cars and make good time as the trail is still in good shape.

Heading down Martin’s snowshoe binding breaks so he switches back to MicroSpikes. At 4:30pm we hit the parking lot after starting at 9am so, it is a good day on the trails.  Winter hiking gives us a chance to stretch comfort zones and challenge oneself.

It was another wonderful day in the whites! We came, accomplished what we set out to do and best of all I were able to catch up with some old hiking friends and make new ones. I hope you sign up for some of our remaining winter trips. Hiking in a group is the wise thing to do because you never know what can happen. Continue to hike with GO friends this winter! 

~ Mike Boisvert

Join us for this 10.4 mile snowshoe up to the summits of the two Kinsmen...North and South (4293' and 4358', respectively).  We will ascend by way of the Mount Kinsman Trail, which approaches the ridge from the west.  The ridge is only 3.7 miles from this trailhead.  Both of these peaks offer spectacular views.  From North Kinsman there is a ledge which looks northward along the ridge as well eastward over Lonesome Lake and over to the Franconia Ridge.  The more open South Kinsman provides nice views in all directions.  There is an optional 0.4 mile addition on the descent to take in the view on Bald Peak (if timing permits).  For the most part the trail is less steep than the ascent from the east, but there will be a few short steep stretches of trail.  The distance is approximately the same as the eastern ascent and the elevation gain is about 3350-ft.  This snowshoe trip will take about 8 to 8.5 hours.  

What to wear/bring:  Snowshoes are required and should be adequate for most of the hike.  You may also want to pack additional traction (microspikes, crampons, etc.).  Wear warm clothing suitable for the exposed ledge and summit(s)...no cotton or blue jeans.  You should also have insulated boots suitable for the season.  Additionally, consider bringing goggles, face protection and a headlamp/flashlight.  Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome at our house to take showers, drinks by the fireplace and a home cooked meal. It's $5 for dinner and BYOB.

Lodging Option: Everyone is welcome to spend Friday and/or Saturday night in one of the bunk beds at our house at $20 per night. Linen, blankets, towels and a basic breakfast of bagels/coffee is included. Contact us to RSVP.