| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Cannon Mountain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Lonesome Lake Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Short Trail, Rim Trail, Around Lonesome Lake Trail, Dodge Cutoff |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, September 11, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Hi-Cannon, up to Dodge Cutoff, is severely eroded with numerous trenches 2 or 3 feet deep. Extensive damage from cutting corners on switchbacks is also present. Kinsman Ridge heading down to Coppermine Col is also severely eroded in one area where descenders are turning right where the trail actually continues straight a short distance before turning right down a rocky gully. There is no blazing in the area and I can understand why people go the wrong way since the tread way is not very clear in this area. A few blazes and some fairly extensive brushing in would help. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I apparently started up between two couples with unleashed dogs. The dogs discovered each other as we all came closer together and the dogs began racing back and forth between the two couples, nipping at each other as they ran, with no attempt by either couple to control their dog. The dogs didn’t bother me, but it’s easy to imagine a non-dog lover being very anxious in this situation. I’m sure many people would appreciate it if dog owners considered all hikers, not just dog owners/lovers.
Of additional note, I think the ladder on Hi-Cannon might be very challenging for many dogs. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
A battered hydro flask. Describe if you want it back, but it is in tough shape. |
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|
 | Comments: |
I feel badly for the adopter of Hi-Cannon, who faces a likely impossible challenge trying to maintain this trail. I’m not sure if the trail, below Dodge Cutoff can be salvaged. IMHO the switchbacks are too short, so water can tend to flow straight down the slope and the trail. I also saw no evidence the trail ever had water bars. If I do this hike again, I’ll go up Lonesome Lake to the cutoff instead.
Views from the summit tower were terrific!
AMC is in the process of an extensive boardwalk construction project around Lonesome Lake. |
|
 | Name: |
Jay Baxter |
|
 | E-Mail: |
Jbaxtermdfacs@comcast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-09-11 |
|
 | 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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