Kinsmans via Mt. Kinsman and Kinsman Ridge Trail

[marty]

I was originally planning to hike the Kinsmans from Franconia Notch. Decided last minute to take the longer hike up the Mt. Kinsman Trail. Am VERY glad I did.
I got to see a cow moose driving on Route 116. Started my hike about 7:10 am. Aout 15 minutes into my hike, a medium sized bear appeared on the trail in front of me (right next to the sugar shack), about 30 feet away. I froze and considered options, as I was concerned it was a mother with cub(s). I tried the door of the shack but it was padlocked. I then decided that if the bear charged me I might be able to do a flying jump and climb up on the roof. I stayed still next to the sugar shack and the bear cruised up the hillside without paying any attention to me. I then waited about 5 minutes and proceeded along without incident.
Saw only one person and one bear on the assault on the Kinsmans. Views from the North Kinsman ledge and South Kinsman were excellent! Question: Is South Kinsman considered above treeline? Think it's very close given the definition. Most of the trees were in the 3 to 7 foot range
On the return, I did run into a few very nice people, including Brenda (Seeker), Dave Metsky and Stefan. It was indeed a pleasure to meet you folks!!
The hike itself was long (probably 12 miles including the Bald Knob spur and some exploring around South Kinsman), but the footing is gentle and the grades reasonable on the Mt. Kinsman Trail. It is also very well marked and not terribly wet. The bugs were very light this morning, too! What a surprise! In addition, there are lots of small streams with cold water to splash on your head to keep you cool. While the round trip hike is about 4200 vertical feet, it just didn't feel that way. Stopped part way up for some excellent views at Bald Knob.
The Kinsmans are numbers 35 and 36 of the New England 67 4000 footers. Am also at 43 of the 100 highest.
Marty

 

[Waumbek]

Nice report. Nice hike! You may have seen the Mama Bear of the attached picture. If so, there were a few more hiding in the woods or up in the trees....Do an advanced search for "three little bears (really)" post from April 27 and the details are there. (I don't see how to link the post to here.)

 

[marty]

Dear Waumbeck - the size of the bear I saw appeared to be close to Mama in your awesome picture. Glad her cubs were off playing or my adventure would have been much more exciting. It seems the Cannon Mountain area has a high bear density. This is the fourth I have seen over the years. Also saw two right under the Cannon Tram and one rolling in the berries on the Cannon Ski Slopes. Thanks for the picture. Marty

 

[David Metsky]

It was great running into you up there today. We had a fine trip to North and South Kinsman as well, but no large wildlife. The views were surprisingly good, not as much haze as we expected based on the heat and humidity. Photos to come eventually.

Snow under the baseball cap works really well to cool things down for a bit.

-dave-

 

[Waumbek]

Also saw two right under the Cannon Tram and one rolling in the berries on the Cannon Ski Slopes. Thanks for the picture. Marty

Yes, the Cannon bears are well-known locally. This year there is mama and two cubs. They have a super restaurant nearby (the slopes). You can pull off at the I-93 Rt. 18 exit (I think that's #35) and use binocs to watch them from the overpass.

 

[Seeker]

Yep--it was nice to meet you Marty! As Dave said, we had a fine hike. Great trail--fairly soft footing along much of it. I was LOVING the streams on the hike out--dunked my head in several--great way to cool off.

Looks like summer is finally here.

 

[wolftone]

Eliza Brook - worth checking out

I did the same hike a week earlier with an overnight at Eliza Brook. I'd like to second the original poster's recommendation to do South (and possibly North) Kinsman from the west instead of Franconia. Fishin' Jimmy is my worst enemy in the Whites, whereas the trails up the west side of Kinsman are really pleasant.

(Thanks for MichaelJ for the suggestion in the first place.)

 

[sapblatt]

I'd like to second the original poster's recommendation to do South (and possibly North) Kinsman from the west instead of Franconia. Fishin' Jimmy is my worst enemy in the Whites, whereas the trails up the west side of Kinsman are really pleasant.

What is wrong with Fishin' Jimmy? Other than being obviously man made I think it is a pretty damn cool trail!