From South Kinsman
North Kinsman - 4293'
The Kinsman Ridge runs along the west side of Franconia Notch all the way from Kinsman Notch in the south, over Mt Wolf, South Kinsman, North Kinsman, the Cannon Balls, and Cannon before dropping down. The summits along the ridge offer some views, but the elevation leaves you mostly in the trees. This area is fairly rough terrain, much harder than the map would indicate. The summit is in the trees, but just a few feet away are two very nice ledges that have great views of Franconia Ridge.
The most popular route leaves from Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch taking the Lonesome Lake trail up to the lake, then following around the lake clockwise on the Cascade Brook trail to Lonesome Lake Hut. From there, take the Fishin' Jimmy trail to Kinsman Junction and the Kinsman Pond Shelter, then climb the Kinsman Ridge trail to the summit. This route is 8.2 miles round trip. From the less populated west side of the mountain, the North Kinsman trail goes to the ridge from NH Rt 116, passing spur trails to Kinsman Flume and Bald Peak, both fine diversions. Then turn south on the Kinsman Ridge trail to the summit. This route is also 8.2 miles. just below the summit. The Kinsman Ridge trail is part of the Appalachian Trail for its entire length.
The mountain range was named after Nathan Kinsman, who settled in Easton after moving his family north from Massachusetts.
Trailheads
- Lafayette Place Campground - The Lonesome Lake trailhead is in the center of Franconia Notch. Get on the Franconia Parkway (I-93) headed south, you may have to reverse direction at the Cannon exit. After exiting the highway at Lafayette Place, turn left and park in the hiker lot. There is no fee for parking here.
- NH Rt 116 - The parking area for the North Kinsman trail is right at the Easton/Franconia town line. Park along the side of Rt 116, there is no fee for parking here.
Additional Photos
- Looking up from Kinsman Pond
- From lower ledges, looking north
- Kinsmans, Cannon, and Greenleaf from North Lafayette
- Lonesome Lake and Lincoln from summit ledges
- Kinsmans, Cannon Balls, and Cannon from Liberty
- South and North Kinsman from Liberty
- From Lonesome Lake in summer
Trip Reports
- Overnight at Kinsman Pond Shelter
- Fall dayhike from the West
- Summer trip report from Franconia Notch
- Spring trip report from Franconia Notch
- Late Spring trip report via North Kinsman trail