| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Cannon, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lonesome Lake Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at the Lafayette Campground parking area (left parking lot) where there were plenty of parking spaces at 10 am. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Large puddles nearing the peak on the Kinsman Ridge Trail, some frozen over, but not strong enough to hold much weight. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
At least 3 blow downs on Hi-Cannon Trail. It appears that there has been some trail maintenance (thank you), but the first blow down (the biggest) could use more work. The large log to the left crosses over the trail on a steep embankment creating the potential to fall/slide while stepping over on the descent. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Started my hike in a sprinkle of rain that quickly turned into a snow flurry (very pretty). Low down, the trail is covered in wet leaves. Soon after the small water crossing, I came across the first and largest blow down. Trail maintenance allowed for easy navigation on the ascent, but on the descent I came close to sliding down the steep terrain as I stepped over the large log that crossed the trail. Just beyond the junction with the Dodge Cutoff Trail, the snow cover created slippery travel over the rock scrambles, however on the ascent I managed just fine without spikes until I reached the rock slabs above the ladder. There, I put on my spikes and wore them to the peak and on the descent until I got down the rock scrambles just before reaching the Dodge Cutoff Trail again. In addition to snow on the slabs, there were sections of ice. Snow was on the ladder, but it was no issue if navigating with care. Near the peak, you'll find large puddles of water, some ice covered. There are rocks/logs to step on to avoid getting feet wet. From the tower, there were no views of Franconia Ridge or the Kinsmans, but above the ladder, I did get a sweet view of Franconia Ridge across the way and then Lonesome Lake below. I saw no one on the trails the entire hike. Overall, it was a peaceful hike...lots of time to reminisce as I gridded out Cannon. |
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 | Name: |
Heidi |
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 | E-Mail: |
heidiproulx@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-11-06 |
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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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