North Kinsman and South Kinsman Mountain – NH

The Kinsman Mountains, North Kinsman (4,293 feet) and South Kinsman (4,358 feet) are two peaks in Franconia New Hampshire. Both summits offer incredible views of Franconia Ridge. They are most often hiked from the trailhead located at Lafayette Place Campground off of I-93.

Hike Information:

North Kinsman Height: 4,293 feet
South Kinsman Height: 4,358 feet
Elevation Gain: 3,159 Feet
Mileage (Round Trip_: 10 Miles

 

Trail Map

Trails

There are two main ways to hike up the Kinsmans, one off of 93, where hikers start at Lafayette campground, and the other off of Route 116 from the west.

 

Lonesome Lake Trail

The lonesome lake trailhead is located at Lafayette Campground just off of I-93, you can park on either side of the highway to access. This is the most common route up to North and South Kinsman.

The from the trailhead, hikers will reach Lonesome Lake in 1.2 miles, and the Lonesome Lake AMC hut is 1.5 miles from the trailhead. There are two options to the summit of North Kinsman from here, the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail, and the Kinsman Pond Trail.

 

 

Fishin’ Jimmy Trail

The Fishin’ Jimmy Trail is a 2 mile trail connecting lonesome Lake and Kinsman Pond.

 

Kinsman Pond Trail

The Kinsman Pond Trail can be accessed from a connecting trail off of Lonesome Lake, or from the Basin Cascade trail located at the Basin off of I-93.

 

Kinsman Ridge Trail

The Kinsman Ridge Trail connects Mount Cannon to North and South Kinsman. This is the ridge trail that connects each mountain. This trail is part of the Appalachian trail.

 

Mount Kinsman Trail

The Mount Kinsman Trail offers an alternate route up to North Kinsman from Route 116. You can also access Bald Peak from this trail.

 

Camping

 

Lafayette Campground

Lafayette Campground offers spaces for campers, tents, and car sleepers alike. You can learn more about the options, daily rates and more here. Directions located below.

 

Kinsman Pond Shelter Camping

The shelter sits at 3,750 feet adjacent to Kinsman Pond less than a mile from the summit of North Kinsman. Rates are $8 per night per hiker, reservations only accepted for large groups. You can learn more here.

 

Lonesome Lake AMC Hut

The Lonesome Lake AMC Hut is one of the most trafficked huts, but is absolutely gorgeous. It is in a very convenient location being only 1.8 miles from the trailhead. You can learn all about the hut on AMC’s website.

 

Directions

To Lafayette Place Campground for the Lonesome Lake Trailhead:

You can access the Basin, and the Basin Cascade Trailhead from the exit south of Lafayette Campground.

Directions Mount Kinsman Trail:

Weather Forecast

Lincoln, NH

Overnight
Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday
A slight chance of rain showers between 9am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night
Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday
A chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night
A chance of rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday
A chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.