South & North Kinsman - Mount Kinsman Trail

[yvon]

South & North Kinsman - Mount Kinsman Trail - february 4 2012

For our first ever winter hike in the White, I have chosen to do the Kinsmans, but by another path than the most popular. And further to the goal I have, to visit others beautiful peaks and doing the 48 again but by different paths. So in order not to disrupt the return of the hiking shape of Annie, this trail is perfect for her. The path I chose, is the Mount Kinsman Trail. This trail begins on Route 116 that is parallel to the 93, but on the other side of the Kinsman Range. This is a super nice trail who is gradually climbs to Kinsman Ridge Trail.
We decided on the spot what equipment we would use for the day. I had all equipement in my car. So, at the trailhead, even with the new 3/4 inches of snow we received during the night, Annie and I ware our Hillsound trail crampon over our boots. The trail was on a hard base, icy and at some places very icy. We stopped at Bald Knob, which offers a super nice views. Not to be missed. Arriving at the Ridge Trail, 4 inches of new snow on the trail. But the Hillsound were sufficient. We have superb views of the beautiful vegetation with snow and the surrounding mountains. But sometime it is foggy and overcast.
A super nice alternative to other the others regulars paths to reach South and North Kinsman.

PHOTOS OF S & N KINSMAN / MOUNT KINSMAN TRAIL

 

[Kevin Rooney]

I enjoyed your pictures - thanks for posting them.

The Mt Kinsmans Trail is my favorite approach to those peaks. I especially like the white birch forest about halfway to the top.

 

[JacobH]

Nice pictures and report yvon! I am surprised that the approach from the west doesn't see more traffic. It's a very nice hike. I agree, Bald knob is worth the side trip for sure!

 

[RoySwkr]

I am surprised that the approach from the west doesn't see more traffic.

Lovely report, it would have had me go up today except for other commitments :-(

It's a longer drive for most people, more elevation gain, the starting point used to be hard to find, and there used to be no plowed parking - maybe still true judging by photo?

 

[yvon]

Lovely report, it would have had me go up today except for other commitments :-(

It's a longer drive for most people, more elevation gain, the starting point used to be hard to find, and there used to be no plowed parking - maybe still true judging by photo?

You will easily find parking entrance, look at the photo. You must pay attention, there is a small sign near the road. It is on the NH116 at 4.5mi of the NH 18 in Franconia. And it is a large plowed parking.

The large parking.

 

[Jay H]

nice trip Yvon, A bunch of us did the Kinsmans in the summer from the same route as well, I think we did a car spot so we just descended down off Cannon when we got there. I remember the small sign and the maple suger shack or something just a few hundred yards into the woods from the trailhead. Nice photos!

Jay

 

[erugs]

Ghosts! That's it. It's just what they are!

 

[Peakbagr]

Yvon, nice trip report and the photographs are beautiful.

Alan