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The Fishin' Jimmy trail starts and ends roughly flat, with some serious ascents in between. Fishin' Jimmy received its peculiar name from a well-known local character called Fishin' Jimmy --- his real name was James Whitcher --- who lived in the Franconia area and was featured in a story by Annie Trumbull Slosson, once a popular New England author.
From the Kinsman Junction, the Kinsman Ridge Trail turns right and climbs up ledges to the junction where the Mount Kinsman Trail enters on the right..., then continues to climb steeply to the summit of North Kinsman. Here, a side path (sign) leads to the left 25yd to a fine outlook to the Franconias and continues, descending, another 70yd. to a ledge that looks directly down on Kinsman Pond. The true summit of North Kinsman is a pointed boulder on the left (east) side of the main trail, 30yd. north of the outlook spur.
The upper part of the Kinsman Pond trail is wet, steep, rocky, and very rough, and at times it shares the footway with small brooks, making rocks slippery; it may also be difficult to follow for short stretches. It then climbs up and down the ledgy east shore of the pond, with the impressive bulk of North Kinsman rising from the opposite shore. Water in this area is unsafe to drink unless treated. After about the first mile, the trail levels off significantly, allowing a faster pace.
Take a right onto Cascade Brook Trail, descending along Cascade Brook. When you find the Basin-Cascade trail, for a good view of Rocky Glen Falls from above, walk cautiously about 60yd. down the brook bank. (time permitting)
The beautiful Basin-Cascades trail will lead you to the Basin to
meet the bus.
This trail does not leave the timberline, but a longsleeve shirt,
sweater, or light jacket is recommended for some of the open areas
near the peak.
