Good weather was in the forecast with sunshine and warmer temps. The plan for today was to join fellow hikers Jill and Larry for a hike up Cannon Mountain (4,100') via the Kinsman Ridge Trail. This trail was covered in snow the last time I was hiking on it. Today I would get to see what the bare trail looked like. This is the shortest route to the summit but it is a steady climb with lots of rock hopping and a few minor ledge scrambles. This would be Jill's first hike since breaking her toe, a good test to see how her healing toe would hold up during a hike.
We met at the tram parking lot then drove over to the trailhead parking area. It was a cool, crisp morning and the sun was just beginning to shine on the top of Cannon Mountain as we started up the Kinsman Ridge Trail. Not far into the hike we were able to look through the trees and see the first tramway cable car run of the day. We met a few hikers along the way and there would be many more.
The trail crosses a ski glade trail several times. I've since checked the ski trail map and this is known as the Kinsman Glade. I remember this glade from my winter hike and wondered why there were no ski tracks on it at the time. This is a very steep, ungroomed trail with plenty of obstacles to navigate around but there's always a few extreme skiers that will take on a gnarly trail like this. It looked like fun but I would only take on this challenge in perfect conditions with plenty of snow!
The trail leveled out and we took a side path to an excellent outlook. There were spectacular views to Franconia Ridge and south down Franconia Notch. It felt nice to bask in the full sunshine. We didn't stay long and soon continued onward to the summit. The trail dropped down before going back up toward the summit with an area of exposure. We came out on the Rim Trail and made our way around for the final easy ascent to the summit and observation tower.
There was a cold breeze blowing as we climbed the tower. I got my usual photos and video then got back down out of the wind. We followed the trail around and the roped off ski trail brought us right down to the tramway summit building that was open for business. Funny how that works! We did not go inside but kept on following the path back to the Kinsman Ridge Trail.
We made our way down the trail and passed many hikers. There was a short easy climb back up and then it was all downhill from there. We continued to meet hikers all the way back down. It was a very popular trail today.
Jill's broken toe completed the hike without any mishaps and Larry kept reminding us that this is a much better trail in the winter. We all enjoyed the cool temps, blue sky and sunshine. It was a perfect day for hiking in the White Mountains!
Enjoy the photos!
Mount Lafayette on the drive to the trailhead
Approaching Cannon Mountain
Sun seen hitting the summit of Cannon from the trailhead
Tree burl
An ultralight soaring far above us
Trail crosses the Kinsman Glade
Looking down the ski glades route
Tram going down
Ledge scrambling
Valley fog
Skirting along the edge of the Kinsman Glade
Leaves have changed color
Echo Lake far below
Looking across the notch
Stopping for a break and a view
Our destination can be seen in the distance
Zooming in on the summit observation tower
A view down Franconia Notch
Getting closer to the summit
I need 50 cents
Jill and Larry...pointing
Almost to the tower
Approaching the tower stairs
Franconia Ridge from the summit tower
Larry descending
Jill coming down from the summit
A view of Franconia Ridge from the Kinsman Ridge Trail
Enjoying the blue skies and sunshine
Larry enjoying the view
A glider silently passes over the summit
Descending along the Kinsman Glade
Jill demonstrates ledge sliding
Echo Lake
Back at the trailhead
A view to the other side of Franconia Notch from the parking lot
Cannon Mountain in full sunshine
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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