Cannon Mt. Cable Car Up Then Hike Down

We wanted to see views from the top of Cannon Mt. in Franconia Notch so we got together at 11AM and took the tram up. Once we got off the tram, we took the Rim Trail that gets a little crowded and found a nice sunny ledge to have a leisurely lunch. We then continued up to the Lookout Tower at 4,077 feet where we got some great views up there. 

We retraced our steps on the Rim Trail and hiked down using the Kinsman Ridge Trail. We then reached thed OUTLOOK side path where we saw a great perspective of Franconia Notch and the Franconia Ridge from the cliffs we were on. 

We descended down a very steep, rocky and eroded trail; some of us ended up sliding and getting scraped up! It forced us to slow down and be mindful of what we were doing. A few guys says it was the most technical descent they have ever done on a trail.

We had a great view of Echo Lake as we continued our descent on a combination of boulders, rock slabs, crushed stone and dirt. 

Afterwards we all went back to the GO Gathering to socialize and feast on an incredible potluck dinner. 

As part of the GO Gathering, take the tram cable car up the summit [4,080'] and then hike down!

It doesn't get any easier than this! On a clear day you can see mountains in four states and Canada. We'll take the tram cable car up to just below the summit.

We'll have lunch and sunbathe on the rock outcrops on the Rim Trail so bring lunch, wine, cold beer, etc.  Then we'll continue on the Rim Trail for a short ascent to the summit and it's observation platform with 360 degree views.

The 2.2 miles hike down the Kinsman Rige is steep and rough. We'll take take a break on the descent at the outcrop with a spectacular view of Franconia Notch. The charge for a one-way ride to the summit is $13. If you would rather skip the hike down and use the Tram cable car that's OK too...just let us know. 

Have a liter of water, day pack and rain shell. 

Join us afterwards for swimming and sunbathing at The Eddy near the GO Gathering in Campton, NH [have a bathing suit in your car to change into]. This swimming hole is an eddy on the Mad River where it's depth is almost over your head. The shoreline is rocky so we recommend you bring a beach chair.

You are welcome to join us camping for the weekend as part of the GO Gathering or join us for the GO Gathering Potluck Feast [bring food to share, BYOB, $10 charge]