Kinsmans 10/26/09

[Jimmy Legs and Little d]

We started our hike to North and South Kinsmans via the Mount Kinsman Trail off of Route 116 at 7:55 am. We always wanted to do the Kinsmans from this side but were unable to find the trailhead. However, with the addition of an expanded parking lot, the trailhead was more assessable and easy to find. Walking along the new trail marked with yellow and pink ribbons it was somewhat slippery after the recent rains. Temperature at the start was 32 degrees.
An abandoned bucket lay alongside the trail.


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We approached an old sugar house shortly thereafter.


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Crossing the streams did not provide any challenges considering the 2 to 3 inches of rain that fell the other day.


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We reached Bald Peak (2470?) at 9:45.


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Here is the view looking southwest to Moosilauke and the Benton range.


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The trail so far was a mixture of mud and slippery rocks with all the moisture providing ideal conditions to the growth of moss on neighboring boulders. Icy spots became more frequent.


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Reaching the Appalachian Trail and climbing towards the wooded summit of North Kinsman our first view peeked thru an open spot in the trees.


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Ascending the ridge towards south Kinsman we looked back towards North Kinsman.


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Finally reaching the summit of South Kinsman at 1pm.


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Here is the view towards Franconia Ridge and The Bonds.


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Returning to North Kinsman we stopped at the open ledge just below the summit where there were 180 degree views towards Franconia Ridge.


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Including Mount Liberty (left) and Mount Flume (right).


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We arrived back at the van at 5:30 pm; completing our hike to our first and second 4,000 footers of this trip.

[mtruman]

Looks like you're three for three (so far). Three great hikes on beautiful days and a couple of 4Ks in the bag. Shaping up as a fantastic week. Do I sense another peak or two to come? Looking forward to the rest of the journey :)

[Jimmy Legs and Little d]

Looks like you're three for three (so far). Three great hikes on beautiful days and a couple of 4Ks in the bag. Shaping up as a fantastic week. Do I sense another peak or two to come? Looking forward to the rest of the journey :)

Thanks so much, Mark. Stay tuned; we're half way there. I believe there was a Frank Sinatra song titled " The Best is Yet To Come."

Donna:)

[CHRIS]

Wow what a perfect looking day.Great report and wonderful picures. I think I could see Marks red fleece on Moosilauke. Thanks for sharing.

[Snow Miser]

Another great TR and photos! Looking forward to reading more of them. Thanks for sharing.