Trail Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1370′
Terrain Rating: Moderate
Hike In: 8:45AM
Hike Out: 11:15AM
Trailhead: At AMC’s Lonsesome Lake Hut
Route: Lonesome Lake Trail to Kinsman Ridge Trail
The hike up to Mount Cannon was short, snowy, and relaxing. Starting from the Lonesome Lake Hut, it is only less than 5 miles round trip. It’s a nice mid-morning hike and I would recommend it to anyone who is staying at Lonesome Lake. Even though it was mid October, we woke up to hail and snow. Hooray for shoulder season!
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Starting off at Lonesome Lake, it is pretty boggy. Luckily they have set up planks for us to walk on. There was some nice foliage still around the lake. Soon we reached inside the woods and started our ascent. Because it snowed the night before, the rocks were incredibly slippery. Those who didn’t have hiking boots on slipped. (Actually we all slipped at some point!).
The hike up to Cannon is typical White Mountains conditions. It wasn’t too strenuous though. Aside from the slippery rocks and roots, there wasn’t much else to watch out for. Soon we reached the summit and was greeted by a platform to pose on. Platform summits aren’t my favorite, but I’m sure on a nice day you could get some great views. All in all, a great morning hike.
Gear Specs:
- 1.5L of water
- 2 bars
- Salmon X ULTRA MID 2 hiking boots
- Columbia Trail Pants
- The North Face HypVent 2.5
- Nike baselayer
- Extra clothes packed away: extra baselayer, Patagonia down jacket
- Emergency Gear: Map & GPS, Headlamp, reduced First-Aid Kit, Swiss Army Knife
