The Feathered Hat
Active member
Trails: Mt Kinsman, Kinsman Ridge
Conditions: The three creek crossings on Mt Kinsman Trail were all easily rock-hopped, but there's quite a bit of mud in spots, especially on this route's upper half (and especially in the flat area where it's nearly always a little swampy, about two and a half miles up). The trail is wet throughout. The dense fallen leaf cover hides some slippery roots, too, so take care. Up on the ridge, the big rock climb up near the North Kinsman summit was wet but not too slippery nor difficult (as it can be in icy conditions). No new blowdowns.
Equipment: Boots you don't mind getting muddy, because they will definitely get muddy; poles or walking staff to assist at the steep rocky stretches and the creek crossings; cold-weather clothing.
Comments: This was an afternoon up-and-back after some visiting company from California left for a shopping expedition to you-know-where in Maine. Skies were cloudy, and a flurry of ice pellets greeted me at the Kinsman summit at 4 p.m., but then the clouds lifted for a few moments for a breathtaking view of snow-dusted Mts Lafayette and Lincoln. Down below, the trees are still in full autumn flame (but fading fast), especially near the old sugarhouse. Saw seven people total, all of them coming down as I was going up.
Steve B
The Feathered Hat
[email protected]
Conditions: The three creek crossings on Mt Kinsman Trail were all easily rock-hopped, but there's quite a bit of mud in spots, especially on this route's upper half (and especially in the flat area where it's nearly always a little swampy, about two and a half miles up). The trail is wet throughout. The dense fallen leaf cover hides some slippery roots, too, so take care. Up on the ridge, the big rock climb up near the North Kinsman summit was wet but not too slippery nor difficult (as it can be in icy conditions). No new blowdowns.
Equipment: Boots you don't mind getting muddy, because they will definitely get muddy; poles or walking staff to assist at the steep rocky stretches and the creek crossings; cold-weather clothing.
Comments: This was an afternoon up-and-back after some visiting company from California left for a shopping expedition to you-know-where in Maine. Skies were cloudy, and a flurry of ice pellets greeted me at the Kinsman summit at 4 p.m., but then the clouds lifted for a few moments for a breathtaking view of snow-dusted Mts Lafayette and Lincoln. Down below, the trees are still in full autumn flame (but fading fast), especially near the old sugarhouse. Saw seven people total, all of them coming down as I was going up.
Steve B
The Feathered Hat
[email protected]
