| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Kinsman, South Kinsman, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lonesome Lake Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lonesome Lake Trail lot is not plowed, but many cars parked there. Otherwise, park 50 yards north for the plowed lot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns anywhere along the route |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
"Tricky" is probably the best word for the trail conditions. From the parking lot to Lonesome Lake Hut, the occasional bit of rock sticks up, but the trail is very well-packed. Spikes were for sure the only good option here. The entire section of the Mt. Kinsman Trail is also good; there's enough snow up there with enough fluff to it that you could use snowshoes, but most of our group stayed in spikes because there is still quite a bit of rock sticking up. Dealer's choice, and it's pretty easy in either. The part of the hike that is not super straightforward right now is the Fishin' Jimmy part. Until it gets up near Kinsman Pond, the trail is a bit bony--enough to cover most of the rocks, but a few spots where they stick up. The issue is that the slabs are neither icy enough for the use of crampons nor fluffy enough for snowshoes or spikes. A lot of them are just scratchy with some thin (not deep enough to get good purchase with any traction) ice and mixed open rock. We all used spikes on the way up. On the way down, I used crampons to make it a little easier to help people down, and we used a length of rope on a few stretches, too. Strictly speaking, the rope wasn't needed at all, but it helped some. Personally I found the crampons helpful on the descent on the upper part of Fishin' Jimmy and would recommend carrying them right now, but you could get away without. Snowshoes will hardcore be needed after the next storm. |
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 | Name: |
IanB |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-12-06 |
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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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