N & S Kinsman via Mt Kinsman Tr. 8/12/2013

[JustBob]

For some reason I've never been up the Kinsmans the 'back way'. Based on recommendations in the 4000K FB group, I tried it on Monday. Man, the Mt. Kinsman trail is sweet. Generally really nice footing, broken by occasional wet rocky bits, all the way to the ridge. There were a few cars in the lot, but I only saw a couple of people until I hit the ridge. I didn't see the ladder described in my WMG, but its a 1992 edition. The ridge had some rocky stuff that was still pretty wet from all that rain, but the views from S. Kinsman are worth it.

Stopped by Kinsman Flume on the way down. It's sort of anti-climatic, but there are some nice waterfalls on the way down to it.

 

[Quietman]

This trail is one of my favorites! Did you visit Bald Peak? It also has great views.

 

[JustBob]

I missed Bald Peak. A reason to go back.

 

[sdways01]

I hiked this trail this winter for the first time on a hike of north kinsman and failed attempt at south kinsman. There was snow on all the trees up high and it was a gorgeous hike up through them. I thought at that time that it looked like it would be a real nice trail in the summer as well.

 

[Scubahhh]

It might be even nicer to leave a bike at Reel Brook Re. And make a "loop" out of it, continuing south on the AT past South Kinsman t the Reel Brook Trail... Or even better, keep going on the AT all the way to Rt. 112.

 

[KV]

I didn't see the ladder described in my WMG, but its a 1992 edition.

Ladder removed some time ago, don't remember exactly when but you can still see the scars on the big rock closer to the summit of North, past the right you take at the jct with the trail coming up from the shelter (F-n Jimmy?)

Great winter ascent route from the back side.