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_:Â 10 Miles
Trail Map
Map Courtesy of 4000footers.com
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
Today
A slight chance of snow showers between noon and 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 6. Wind chill values as low as -19. West wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -21. West wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Wednesday
A slight chance of snow showers after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 16. Wind chill values as low as -20. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday Night
A chance of snow showers before 7pm, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Wind chill values as low as -8. Southwest wind 15 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Thursday
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. West wind 25 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Thursday Night
A chance of snow before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 11.
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
