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Cannon Mountain via Lonesome Lake Trail
Mountain:
Cannon Mtn. (4100')
Trails:
Lonesome Lake Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail
Region:
NH - Central West
White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park
Location:
Franconia, NH
Rating:
Moderate/Difficult
Features:
Summit, views, lake, brooks, 4000-footer
Distance:
6.2 miles
Elevation Gain:
2400 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:
Typical:
4:25
Outing Duration:
Typical:
6:30
Hike Date:
Saturday, 10/20/2007
Author:
Mark Malnati
Companion:
8 SDHers and 1 dog
Route Summary
We will hike up Lonesome Lake Trail until it reaches Kinsman Ridge Trail. Then we will follow Kinsman Ridge Trail to the observation tower at the summit of Cannon Mtn.
From the parking lot, the Lonesome Lake Trail crosses a bridge and heads through the campground, crossing several campground roads. It climbs slightly from the campground, then turns left and crosses several small brooks; a couple of the crossings are on plank bridges.
After 0.4 mile the Hi-Cannon Trail leaves right while Lonesome Lake Trail continues ahead on long switchbacks. The Hi-Cannon Trail is not dog friendly so we will continue along the Lonesome Lake Trail.
We will hike by the lake then continue on to the junction with the Kinsman Ridge Trail turning right here, and we will summit and enjoy the observation tower at the top. This will take about 5 hours.
Place
Split
Miles
Total
Miles
Lonesome Lake Trailhead (1770')
0.0
0.0
Jct. Lonesome Lake/Hi-Cannon Trails (2040')
0.4
0.4
Lonesome Lake
(2740')
0.8
1.2
Jct. Lonesome Lake Trail/Kinsman Ridge Trail (3400')
1.1
2.3
Jct. Kinsman Ridge/Hi-Cannon Trails (3850')
0.4
2.7
Cannon Mtn.
(4100')
0.4
3.1
Jct. Kinsman Ridge/Hi-Cannon Trails (3850')
0.4
3.5
Jct. Lonesome Lake Trail/Kinsman Ridge Trail (3400')
0.4
3.9
Lonesome Lake
(2740')
1.1
5.0
Jct. Lonesome Lake/Hi-Cannon Trails (2040')
0.8
5.8
Lonesome Lake Trailhead (1770')
0.4
6.2
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Trail Guide
On October 20th, eight hikers and one dog made their way to the top of Cannon. We started out on the Lonesome Lake Trail, visited the lake then made our way to the Kinsman Ridge Trail. We had a couple of interesting water crossings and there were a few comments about the joys of climbing over large boulders. We paused at each junction to regroup and took lots of breaks -- a couple of hikers suggested that we rename to the "Seacoast Breakhikers" -- but nobody was complaining!
The group enjoyed lunch at the junction just before the summit. We were joined by a squirrel who feasted on a fluffernutter, grapes, raw cranberries, and nuts. I think he liked us. We enjoyed the views at the summit and fielded questions from the tram riders on why we had ski poles when there was no snow.
The hike down went well, we managed to dodge any real rain - it started pouring as we drove out of the parking lot. Driving down 93 we were treated to a vivid double rainbow, it was incredible to see so many cars pulled over to the side of the highway so they could enjoy the view.
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Driving Directions
Cannon Mountain is located in the center of Franconia Notch State Park. There are parking areas on either side of the Parkway (I-93) with a foot travel tunnel running underneath. The Lonesome Lake trail starts on the west side of the highway, at the southern end of the parking area.
The trailhead parking area is off of I-93 in Franconia:
Heading northbound on I-93, take exit 34B.
Reverse direction here and go south on I-93.
Exit at Lafayette Campground.
Turn left at the bottom of the hill for hiker parking.
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