Kinsman Pond to Mt. Kinsman, Fishin' Jimmy back

landmarkelevdisttime
Basin lot15200mi11:00am
Cascade Brook via Basin-Cascades20841.0mi11:45
left on K. Pond Tr.22941.5mi12:05
Kinsman Junction37504.0mi2:05
N. Kinsman42934.6mi2:40
lunch until2:50
Kinsman Junction37505.2mi3:10
Lonesome Lake Hut via Fishin' Jimmy27407.2mi4:45
Lafayette lot17708.8mi6:00pm


Starting at the Flume parking area (exit 34A) jog on up the Whitehouse trail (or the bike path for -0.1mi) to just before the bridge, cross under the parkway along with the Pemi trail, but stay on Cascade Brook trail going straight. The climb along this trail is moderate, and crosses Whitehouse Brook. For a good view of Rocky Glen Falls from above, walk cautiously about 60yd. down the brook bank.

If you have not made it to the Kinsman Pond Tr. by 12:50, keep going on the Cascade Brook Trail to Lonesome Lake, and either spend time swimming there, and visiting the hut, or perhaps hike instead up the Lonesome Lake Trail to the Kinsman Ridge, before proceeding down as before.

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.

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. Go up to North Kinsman only if you arrive at the junction before 2:20 and don't mind a very brief lunch.

The Fishin' Jimmy trail leaves from the Junction descending gradually, gets steeper, rounds a boulder on the right to even steeper descents before levelling off again. You'll find Lonesome Lake Hut just before the lake itself. This is a beautiful place for a quick cooloff before continuing around the lake to the Lonesome Lake trail for the final descent.

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.