Cannon Mountain Winter Hike Redux

A short but rugged hike for the three of us. Max has just recently started hiking and this was his second or third hike with GO. Early on he discussed turning back, but as it is essentially impossible to go off this trail we let him fall back and take his own pace. He joined us at the observation tower at the summit only a few minutes are we had arrived. Major kudos for perseverance. We went up the Kinsman Ridge Trail (a good cardio workout) up and back at 4.2 miles. We left the parking lot around 10am with a temp of 45, when we got back around 2pm it was 75 degrees.  It was cool and comfortable hiking up, the ice (and then show) on the trail started about three-quarters of a mile. Microspikes were a must have the further we climbed up, Hillsound spikes definitely better. Folks without spikes were definitely struggling, many folks turned back (there was group of 9 apparently that made it to the Outlook before quitting, we never actually saw them). The sun came out when we got to the summit it and was beautiful day from there on. The observation tower revealed a fine panorama with a magnificent look at the Franconia Range across the notch. We headed back to the Outlook for a nice lunch before starting our descent. As we anticipated, going up was moderately challenging but coming down much more so as much of the snow had gotten even slushier during the day - think super steep downhill hiking in 1 ½ feet of shaved ice. Max had the hardest descent since he only had micros, but he deported himself with true GO class.  All told, a great hiking day. 

The observation tower reveals a fine panorama with a magnificent look at the Franconia Range across the notch!

Cannon Mountain (4100') is also known as Profile Mountain, referring to the magnificent profile of the Old Man of the Mountain, which collapsed in May 2003.  We'll utilize the Kinsman Ridge Trail up and back. This trail climbs aggressively to the expansive ledges atop the Cannon Cliffs [3800 ft.] that provides additional magnificent views of the Franconia Range and down into the notch. The trail then moderates as it approaches the summit with its observation tower.   

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  4.2 miles with approximately 2150 feet in accumulative elevation gain.

Total Time:  Approximately 4.5 hours depending on breaks and group's speed.

Harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

We will be hiking in late winter conditions at a moderate pace with time to enjoy the scenery. There will be ice and snow. Light tracking devices are mandatory and although unlikely we may need snowshoes if there was a recent snowstorm. I will send out trail condition information mid week.  Light traction can be either Kahtoola MicroSpikes or Hillsounds Crampons that can purchased from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI or EMS; or online. If you don’t own a pair of snowshoes, you can always rent them from your local outdoor gear shop. 

Please have the appropriate gear/clothing to hike this time of year and the appropriate amount of layers to keep your core body warm. We recommend WINTER hiking boots, MicroSpikes, wool hat, gloves, hand warmers, rain/wind gear, warm layers, HEADLAMP and NO COTTON. Carry at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks.

Event Coordinators: David Byrnes