| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Cannon Mountain, North Kinsman, South Kinsman (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lonesome Lake Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Fishin’ Jimmy Trail, Cascade Brook Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 8, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking on a Friday at 8am at Jefferson campground |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Many mosquitos and black flies, especially around standing water. They didn’t bother me too much |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Today I sweat more than I think I ever have in my entire life. This was a fabulous hike, but I severely undercounted the elevation gain when planning so I went into it thinking it would be much easier than it was.
Energy was flagging by the time I got to North Kinsman, and then I heard a big rumble of thunder and decided to bail on the south peak and turn around. I was not about to descend those slabs wet and exhausted. I feel a bit bad for being so close, but ultimately I know this was the right call.
This hike was steep and scrambly. Hi-Cannon is quite eroded before Dodge cutoff, but I had so much fun on the scrambles and ladders higher up, with great views of Franconia even with the wildfire smoke. I refilled water at the tram stop on Cannon. The Cannonballs are a cruel trick nature has played on us all, and I look forward to not doing that section of the trail again. Fishin’ Jimmy is in great shape and was easy enough to descend. I was rewarded with clearer views of Franconia reflected in the lake.
All in all, this hike was an ass kicker and also helped me set my expectations for what I can reasonably do in a day. This now marks the tip-top of my current ability level. |
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 | Name: |
EJ |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-08-08 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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