M
Mtn Runner
Guest
Wanted to add a little info to Jason's post.
I hiked up to Kinsman Ridge and back on Saturday (3/22) with my dog Bode. There were 4 other hikers doing the same route that morning. On my way down there was a group of 6 people with plans to also go to the ridge. That is why the trail was well packed out. But I still recommend alpine type snowshoes for the Fishing Jimmy Trail because of the need for traction on the steep trail and you might have to go around blowdowns in the 5' deep snow. The snow is at the trail blaze level or higher and there also was some icy crust areas at the ridge.
The sign at the Kinsman Ridge Junction is buried in the snow. To find the Kinsman Pond Shelter, turn left just when the trail starts to slightly descend on the ridge, before it starts climbing again up to North Kinsman. You will be hiking south towards the pond and there are a few visible blazes. The recently rebuilt shelter is gorgeous but has a lot of snow on the platform in front of it and it appeared that it had not been visited in some time. The Kinsman Pond Trail has not been broken out at that end of the trail. Lots of snow drifts in the area.
If you bring your dog, don't forget to grease their paws and legs to prevent ice balls like I did. I had to clear the ice with my bare hands and apply the Musher's Secret with my freezing hands.
We both had a wonderful time with the clear skies and beautiful views.
[email protected]
I hiked up to Kinsman Ridge and back on Saturday (3/22) with my dog Bode. There were 4 other hikers doing the same route that morning. On my way down there was a group of 6 people with plans to also go to the ridge. That is why the trail was well packed out. But I still recommend alpine type snowshoes for the Fishing Jimmy Trail because of the need for traction on the steep trail and you might have to go around blowdowns in the 5' deep snow. The snow is at the trail blaze level or higher and there also was some icy crust areas at the ridge.
The sign at the Kinsman Ridge Junction is buried in the snow. To find the Kinsman Pond Shelter, turn left just when the trail starts to slightly descend on the ridge, before it starts climbing again up to North Kinsman. You will be hiking south towards the pond and there are a few visible blazes. The recently rebuilt shelter is gorgeous but has a lot of snow on the platform in front of it and it appeared that it had not been visited in some time. The Kinsman Pond Trail has not been broken out at that end of the trail. Lots of snow drifts in the area.
If you bring your dog, don't forget to grease their paws and legs to prevent ice balls like I did. I had to clear the ice with my bare hands and apply the Musher's Secret with my freezing hands.
We both had a wonderful time with the clear skies and beautiful views.
[email protected]
