KINSMAN NOTCH TO FRANCONIA NOTCH BACKPACK

This section was extremely strenuous due to the changing elevations and the wet/ rugged footway. In this section we hiked up Mt. Wolf [3478’], North Kinsman is [4293’] and South Kinsman [4358’].  Carrying a 30 pound backpack makes hiking a whole different story! We just put our heads down and took one step at a time. Sweat dripped as we hiked in oppressive heat…hot and humid.

Day One: We started at Kinsman Notch and hiking by 8:15, headed to Mt. Wolf with an overnight stay at Eliza Brook Shelter. We added a side trip to Gordon Pond so overall mileage on our first day was 8.1 miles.

The trail started uphill quickly from Route 112 and Kinsman Notch along some fine rock steps but eventually moderated into a series of ups and downs and false summits on our way to the top of Mount Wolf (elev. 3478). We spent the day hiking a wooded ridge. We spotted some bunchberry and bluebead lilies along with a variety of mushrooms during the day.

We found Gordon Pond to be peaceful with lots of beaver activity and a view of Mt. Wolf that we would shortly climb. Mt. Wolf [3.478 feet] became something of a running joke because we kept thinking we were there and we weren't.  Mt. Wolf did offer a view of Franconia Ridge worth admiring!

After Mt. Wolf, until we reached Reel Brook trail intersection, the trail is rocky and rooty, with a lot of elevation change all over the place. We worked for our miles. We arrived at the Eliza Brook Shelter at the base of the Kinsmans feeling much more drained than we usually would after 8 miles of hiking. Surprisingly, on a Saturday night, we shared Eliza Brook Shelter with only one other section NOBO hiker and there were about three NOBO’s tenting.

Day Two: Next morning we had a 9.5 mile day ahead of us and 2,450 feet elevation gain. We began the 2,000 foot ascent up towards the Kinsman’s peaks under overcast skies. The trail followed Eliza Brook up a ravine for almost a mile, with one cascade after another! 

It really wasn't until we hit the bog boardwalk at Harrison Pond that the massive peak of South Kinsman Mountain came into clear view! From there, rock climbing took place of traditional hiking. We put our poles away as we had to pull ourselves up and over large boulders for the next several hundred feet of elevation gain. This climb was no joke; although tiring, we thoroughly enjoying the rock climbing. One scramble after another after another. We had to stop and ponder whether to go to the left or the right.

We were greeted to clouds on the summits and were really disappointed after all that effort! The descent leads down to Franconia Notch. When we got to Kinsman Pond we took a break on the shore.  

It was very steep going down to Lonesome Lake on the Fishin’ Jimmy trail with steep and slippery sections. We were reminded why we don’t like the Fishin’ Jimmy trail! It was about 2:00 pm when we rolled into Lonesome Lake Hut. When we got to Lonesome Lake, it started to rain heavily so we dashed into the hut for shelter.  While waiting for the rain to stop we had a couple cups of coffee, a slice of blueberry coffee cake and a slice of cake with cream cheese frosting. Afterwards, we enjoyed the views of the lake and Franconia Ridge in the distance with a few people swimming!

The Cascade Brook Trail is very rocky so it slowed down our pace. We were never so happy to hear the sound of a highway as we approached I-93, which runs through Franconia Notch.  We were exhausted, physically and mentally at the end! 

This up-and-down 17 mile section of the Appalachian Trail has very technical rocky terrain but the rewards take us up to open ridgeline ledges, thick forests, mountain ponds, streams, waterfalls and cascades. There are a number of pointless up and downs, steep ascents, and rock scrambles. There are steep and slippery sections on the descent to Lonesome Lake.

This backpack is not for beginners and is strenuous. It is strongly advised you obtain a guidebook and map to become familiar with this route. There will be opportunities to refill our water bottles during the day.  

Read this trip report to get a better idea of this trip.

Here is another trip report that will be helpful.  

Equipment: Backpack, 3 season backpacking sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpacking tent, personal first aid kit, water bottles or bladder, backpacking stove with fuel, cookware and utensils, food for one night and two days, headlamp, layered clothing, rain gear, water/camp shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.,

We’ll carry a water filtration pump for everyone to use to purify our water. To reduce the weight of your pack, we highly recommend you contact another participant to share tent, stove, fuel, food, etc.  

Saturday: After spotting cars we’ll start hiking from Kinsman Notch start with a very steep ascent, make our way to climb up Mt. Wolf [3,478’] with limited views and descend to tent at the Eliza Brook Shelter. This section of trail is filled with very rocky technical terrain and short ups & downs. Today’s trek involves some varied scenery, including the great view from the Dilly Cliffs, beautiful fern glades, lush forest scenery, and the peaceful shores of Gordon Pond! We’ll go off the AT on the way to Mt. Wolf a bit to visit the peaceful Gordon Pond. The shelter has a good water source nearby and a bear box to place our food into. ~7.5 miles with approximately 2,600 feet elevation gain.

Sunday: We’ll be getting an early start of 7AM to help with the drive home. The hike up towards South Kinsman is rocky but gradual at first. Then the ascent to the peak itself will be a ball buster! It will feel like rock climbing; we’ll have to pull ourselves up and over large boulders for the next several hundred feet of elevation gain. We’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views from South and North Kinsman! We’ll then start descending taking a break at Kinsman Pond and then continue down the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail to Lonesome Lake that has a nice dock for sunbathing and swimming. There are steep and slippery sections on the descent to Lonesome Lake. We’ll then follow the Cascade Brook Trail to the vehicles we spotted at the Liberty Springs Trailhead. ~9.5 miles with approximately 2,450 feet elevation gain.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday night. Its $25 dollars that includes Coffee/bagels in the morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have 4 bunks available so the first 4 guys that contact us to reserve will get one. You’re on your own for dinner Friday night but you’re welcome to use our kitchen facilities to cook!