| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Kinsman, South Kinsman, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Empty spaces were available in the Lafayette Place hiker parking on this weekday after Labor Day. The lot usually fills fast on a nice weekend day. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing of the Pemi is on a bridge. Otherwise, all brooks were small and easy to cross |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Some bog bridges on Cascade Brook and Fishin Jimmy trails are broken or worn. Nevertheless, most bog bridges are in good condition.
One missing wood step on a steep ledge on the Fishin Jimmy trail requires a large step up to the first wood step. This wood step has been out for a number of years.
One wood ladder/stairs on the Fishin Jimmy trail has rungs spaced further apart than normal. The same is true on a small ladder/stairs on the Kinsman Ridge Trail just south of Kinsman Junction. These unorthodox ladders are more difficult to use but provide some advantage as compared to no ladders.
One small (1" diameter) tree across the Lonesome Lake Trail at about 3 feet above ground perhaps a tenth of a mile above the trailhead. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs must be comfortable with ledges. |
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 | Bugs: |
None except some dragonflies at Kinsman Pond |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The Lonesome Lake Trail up to the lake is easy hiking.
The Fishin Jimmy and the Kinsman Ridge Trails are rocky with lots of ledges. There are wood steps, ladders, iron rung, and chiseled steps in the ledges to provide better footing. There are no such assists on the Kinsman Ridge ledges. On these ledges the hiker can use cracks and small flat spots along with hand holds of roots on the margins to safely pass over these steep sections.
Many of the ledges had wet surfaces and are potentially slippery. I saw one woman slip down to the rock without injury. I met one man who injured a shoulder on a slip south of South Kinsman.
Today's route passed by Lonesome Lake and Kinsman Pond. These are great spots to sit by the water and snack.
The caretaker was out at Kinsman Pond according to the sign.
At Kinsman Junction, read the signs carefully to ensure that you take the proper trail. The Fishin Jimmy and the Kinsman Ridge Trail to Cannon diverge from the junction in close proximity. In the past I have witnessed hikers mistakenly taking the Kinsman Ridge Trail when they intended to descend via Fishin Jimmy.
Both Kinsman peaks have nice views. The clouds restricted the views today. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-06 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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