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
Tonight
Rain showers before 4am, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 4am and 5am. Cloudy, with a low around 29. West wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 35 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind 25 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Sunday Night
A chance of snow showers between 8pm and 9pm, then rain and snow showers likely between 9pm and 10pm, then rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Monday
Rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night
Rain showers likely before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
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
