North and South Kinsman - Mt Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge trail - 10-27-2026

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	North and South Kinsman, NH

	Trails:	Mt Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge trail

	Date of Hike:	Tuesday, October 27, 2026

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	I will confess that the higher parking fee for us Mainers put me off for the last year. It had been a full 12 months since I used this approach. That being said, I love this trail and decided that I was worth the $20 parking fee today. The new parking lot is small but could hold about 8 cars or so. There is a nice kiosk and the new approach trail that joins up the old trail at the sugar shack is lovely. $20 well spent for a very nice day.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	All were easy rock hops this morning. The water levels are so low that even with the 25 degree temps, there were plenty of dry rocks.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Who knew that CHAD is the maintainer for this trail?! Clearly, not me. I saw a pack with a saw and a human working on the trail who warmly greeted me, "Hey! You're Uki!" It was so nice to bump into him and chat for a bit about grid stuff, etc. He is doing an incredible job on this trail. Drainages were cleared and obstacles were removed. If you see him, give him a high five and a king sized Snickers. This trail is PERFECT. And how about those new wooden steps on the slab? I was like Cinderella walking up and down them.

	Dog-Related Notes:	I saw 2 very good doggos with their crew today. They had come up from Fishin Jimmy but this route would be fine for puppers. There are some scrambles but nothing that would be daunting to a 4 legged pal.

	Bugs:	Back in Hell.

	Lost and Found:	Nothing lost and nothing found today.


	Comments:	I am so glad I decided to just pay the parking fee and come in from this side. I have loved this trail for years and I don't mind Fishin Jimmy but this was a really nice change of pace. Down low there are abundant leaves but the rocks are pretty small down there so it doesn't mess with footing too much. I just sort of scuffled as best as I could. After the turn off for Bald Peak it does get steeper but there are fewer leaves and the rocks were dry so footing was good. The wet areas were partially frozen so mud wasn't an issue. At the Forest Protection sign for the campsite, there were some areas of ice. It was just from run off and was avoidable. Chad had given me a heads up so I was on the lookout. Along the Kinsman Ridge trail there were a few other areas of frozen run off but it was all easily avoidable as well. It was great to bump into Adam and his cousin who had just finished her 48 on South Kinsman. Huge congratulations to her! It was blustery and cold on the summits which was a nice reminder that winter is coming soon. Woo hoo! Glad to have these checked off for a few more projects on such a nice day.

	Name:	Uki

	E-Mail:	ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.com

	Date Submitted:	2026-10-27

	Link:	https://
		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.