Kinsmans or Hancocks

[Tar Heel]

My dad and I are thinking of hiking either the Kinsmans or Hancocks next week. Any preferences? suggestions of which way to go? gear to use (snowshoes, etc.)? We did Pierce and Eisenhower 3 weeks ago but are looking for something closer to Waterville Valley where we stay

[KD Talbot]

You'll definitely need snowshoes and it wouldn't be a bad idea to have some sort of traction, too, just in case. It may be that your snowshoes have aggressive traction making carrying traction overkill. Neither of these hikes is known for icy trails.

If you do the Kinsmans from Lafayette campground, up past Lonesome Lake along the Fishin' jimmy Trail it should be well packed and the parking lot is plowed. Hiking in along the Mt. Kinsamn Trail from the west has parking issues and the trail may not be broken all the way especially with the snow coming tonight.

The Hancocks are a great hike, too. There's really only one way in and out in winter unless you want to break long trails. They are steep, but short once you reach the base of the mountain. Most do them clockwise making the in between a little easier.

Watch here for trail conditions:

http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forum...splay.php?f=13

KDT

[Tar Heel]

Do you know anything about doing the Kinsmans via the cascade basin - cascade brook - kinsman pond?

[KD Talbot]

It's definitely an option, but less travelled, so may not be broken out. Much snow coming tonight, maybe not so much in the mountains.

KDT