The Kinsman Range doesn't get the attention of nearby Franconia Ridge, but make no mistake—these are serious mountains. North Kinsman (4,293 ft) and South Kinsman (4,358 ft) offer challenging hiking, rugged terrain, and views that rival their more famous neighbors. The trails here are steeper and rockier than most, making this a true test for aspiring 4,000-footer completionists.
Both peaks can be climbed together in a single strenuous day, or combined with a stay at Lonesome Lake Hut for a more relaxed overnight adventure. Either way, be prepared to work for your views.
Trail Options
Lonesome Lake/Kinsman Ridge Loop
- Distance: 10.3 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The classic route starts at Lafayette Place and climbs to Lonesome Lake Hut before continuing on the Kinsman Ridge Trail over both summits. You'll return via the Fishin' Jimmy Trail and Kinsman Pond. This loop is long and includes multiple steep sections—allow 7-9 hours.
From Kinsman Notch
- Distance: 9.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Starting from the Kinsman Ridge Trail on Route 112, this approach tackles both peaks from the west. The trail is relentlessly steep with less variety than the loop, but it's a bit shorter overall.
Via Mount Kinsman Trail
- Distance: 10.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,600 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
An out-and-back from Easton that passes several beautiful cascades early on. This route is more remote and sees fewer hikers.
What Makes the Kinsmans Challenging
These mountains have a reputation, and it's well-earned:
- Rugged terrain: The trails feature steep pitches, extensive rock scrambling, and muddy sections that persist even in dry weather
- Elevation gain: You'll gain over 3,000 feet regardless of which route you choose
- Distance: All routes are 9+ miles with significant time above treeline
- Route-finding: The ridge between the two peaks can be confusing in fog
That said, the rewards match the effort. South Kinsman offers excellent views of the Franconia Ridge, while North Kinsman looks across to the Cannon cliffs and beyond.
Lonesome Lake Hut
One of the AMC's most accessible huts, Lonesome Lake sits at 2,760 feet on the lower slopes of the Kinsmans. It's a perfect base for dividing the climb into two days:
- Day 1: Hike to the hut (1.6 miles, 1,000 feet), enjoy dinner and evening by the lake
- Day 2: Climb to North and South Kinsman, return via the hut
The hut serves breakfast and dinner, offers bunk accommodations, and has that wonderful AMC atmosphere. The lake itself is beautiful, with the Kinsman Ridge reflected in its waters.
Day visitors are welcome for lunch and rest stops. Overnight reservations book early—plan well ahead for summer weekends.
Kinsman Pond and Shelter
In the col between the two peaks sits Kinsman Pond, a scenic alpine tarn with a nearby shelter and tent platforms. For backpackers, this makes an excellent overnight destination:
- Carry water treatment (pond water is available)
- Fee required for shelter/camping (self-service caretaker)
- Spectacular sunrise over the ridge
The pond is worth a visit even on a day hike—a peaceful spot to rest before or after tackling the summits.
Practical Information
Getting There
- Lafayette Place: Parking on I-93 in Franconia Notch. Arrives early—fills by 6-7 AM on summer weekends.
- Kinsman Notch: Route 112 parking area; less crowded but more limited parking.
- Easton: Mount Kinsman Trail trailhead; most parking availability.
Best Times
- June-September: Best conditions; trails can be wet anytime
- Fall: Beautiful foliage but can be slippery
- Winter: Serious mountaineering conditions; experienced winter hikers only
What to Bring
- Extra layers (ridgeline is exposed)
- Plenty of water (limited sources above treeline)
- Headlamp (these hikes often take longer than expected)
- Trekking poles (helpful on steep sections)
Quick Reference
| Route | Distance | Gain | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lonesome Lake Loop | 10.3 mi | 3,400 ft | Hut, lake, both peaks |
| From Kinsman Notch | 9.0 mi | 3,200 ft | Direct, steep |
| Mt. Kinsman Trail | 10.8 mi | 3,600 ft | Waterfalls, solitude |
North and South Kinsman won't be the easiest checkmarks on your 4,000-footer list, but they might be among the most satisfying. The rugged character of these mountains—the steep trails, the rocky scrambles, the wilderness feel—rewards hikers who come prepared for a real challenge. Save the Kinsmans for a day when you're feeling strong, and you'll understand why they're a highlight of the range.
