North and South Kinsman Hike

I am the founder of GayOutdoors and I have been honored to have taken part of many people’s firsts. Jon and I are experienced trail maintainers and passionate members of the outdoor community. In New England, we enjoy trekking along the highest peaks. I have also hiked the entire length of the Appalachia Trail; Jon and I have trekked the most popular routes in Europe. Our goal is to share our passion for hiking and backpacking with others, especially to inspire them to experience the freedom of the trail!

Thanks to Dave for joining us!

Had a sunny start hiking up the North Kinsman. We started on the Mt. Kinsman Trail which led to the Kinsman Ridge Trail.

We love hiking in the spring! The gorgeous florescent green colors of the turning leaves and warmer temperature after a cold winter is refreshing. The trail started moderately as we passed an old sugarhouse. This section of trail is quite pretty and passes through a few brooks. Mossy Falls was flowing real nice.

Nice variety of wildflowers, including lots of painted trillium, purple violets, bluebead lily, [yellow Clintonia], starflower, bunchberry, and goldthread.

As we got higher we entered into soupy clouds with hardly any views. The Kinsman Ridge Trail leading to North Kinsman is steep at times and we had a few difficult scrambles up rock slabs.  

We did not see anyone at all for the ascent and had the summit for North Kinsman all to ourselves.

We felt a few drops so decided to turn around. Ended up hiking down in showers. The sun came back at the Bald Peak junction so we decided to head up there for lunch. Bald Peak was wonderful!

Air was much nicer following the storms as well with nice blue sky. We even drove to nearby Sugar Hill to enjoy the lupines. Overall a really good day!

Report by Mike Boisvert
Pictures by Jon Normand

Join us for this 10 mile 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 will be some snow/ice in the middle of the trail in several spots that will be easily avoidable, nonetheless we still recommend MicroSpikes just in case. 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 3400-ft.  This hike will take about 8 hours.  

We are keeping the hike at 10 people to make it easier to practice the recommended social distancing of keeping at least 6 feet of distance between everyone.  Also, with the recommended guidance of hiking local during the pandemic, please only sign up if you're currently living in New Hampshire or live within an hour away of the hike.  

What to wear/bring:  You may also want to pack MicroSpikes just in case. Wear clothing suitable for the exposed ledge and summit(s). Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and anything else you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome at our house to take showers, drinks on the deck and a home cooked meal. It's $10 for dinner and BYOB. Please let us know when you sign up so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. 

Lodging Option: Everyone is welcome to spend Friday and/or Saturday night in one of the bunk beds at our house at $25 per night. Linen, blankets, towels and a basic breakfast of bagels/coffee is included. Contact us to RSVP.