This 4000-footer “double bagger” runs a little longer than a trip to the Tripyramids or the Hancocks. After hiking up to Lonesome Lake Hut, you continue on the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail before joining the Kinsman Ridge Trail, which leads to the summit of North Kinsman. The length and solitude of the journey that day lent itself to a fair amount of contemplation—much of which, coincidentally, was about kin. Some relatives had passed away recently, and it got me thinking: I need to make sure I connect with the people I care about more regularly.
Lonesome Lake
There are shorter ways to get to the Kinsmen, but I elected to follow a route I found online that starts off on the Lonesome Lake Trail. I had hiked across Lonesome Lake years before, on a frigid cold day in the dead of winter, but this was March. Standing at the edge of the lake, I couldn’t make out what was going on at the other side, and I was concerned that the lake might be melting. So, I elected to go around, rather than risk it. When I reached the other side, I was so glad I did!
The Fishin’ Jimmy Trail
As I passed the Lonesome Lake Hut, I heard voices from within, but other than that, the land was devoid of human interference. Hoping to avoid detection, I swiftly headed up the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail enroute to North Kinsman. The changing weather had caused some early spring melt that then rapidly froze again, creating areas on the trail that were solid rivers of ice. It was a good day for spikes.
North Kinsman
View Near the Summit of North Kinsman
Before I reached the summit of North Kinsman, I came across a sea of dead trees in what I’d consider the subalpine zone. They were all blown back, as if a rock giant had swiped at them with the back of his hand. I had heard of microbursts before, where sudden blasts of 100mph winds can downdraft onto a mountain side, and I wondered if that was what transpired here.
Enroute to South Kinsman
There is a lot to enjoy on this hike. You pass Lonesome Lake, Kinsman Pond, and get some beautiful vistas. I think my favorite part of the trail, though, might be the way from North Kinsman to South Kinsman. Here you get broad views of the surrounding mountains, and I love the way the trail looks as it cuts through the top of the ridgeline. Nothing quite makes you feel like you’re on an adventure than a beautifully sculpted trail leading you into the mountains.
Views of Loon Mountain
As you approach the summit of South Kinsman, up unto the point you arrive at it, you get great views of Loon Mountain. In the early part of my 4000-footer journey, I felt like I was on a tour of all the biggest ski mountains in the state. So far I had caught views of Cannon, Waterville Valley, and now Loon. The best thing I can say about seeing them is they give you a clear waypoint to center yourself on, should you get lost on the trail. But besides their directional assets, I have mixed feelings about seeing them when I’m out on the trail. Don’t get me wrong, I love skiing and snowboarding, and participate in those activities as much as I can, but when I’m out on the trail, I’m usually heading out with the hope that I won’t run into anything man-made. Seeing a ski mountain in the distance is a fun surprise, but my enthusiasm for the discovery usually drops off after a short spell.
Back to North Kinsman
Even though this was a loop hike, you still have to backtrack your way over the Kinsman Ridge Trail before you can change directions and descend via the Kinsman Pond Trail, rather than the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail. Descending this way added 1.3 miles to the hike, but I wanted to take in all the sights I could and was excited to complete a full loop of the area. In retrospect… yeah, it was worth it.
Kinsman Pond
I loved the Kinsman Pond Trail. I didn’t know what to expect when I headed out for it, but the contrast of the sharp hills running to the edge of Kinsman Pond were beautiful to see. As I made my way along the trail, I witnessed frozen streams intersecting the trail, and came to a wonderful brook with stones perfectly placed for stepping across.
Cascade Brook
Besides a good campfire, I can’t think of anything that can make me stop and stare like a flowing river.
Return to Lonesome Lake
When I got back to Lonesome Lake, I took a minute to rest and reflect on the hike. Within seconds, snow began to fall in a captivating silence. I was tired and knew I needed to get going, but have you ever had the feeling that you wanted to go, and still… well, you know.
North Kinsman to South Kinsman Ascent Details
- Route (Lollipop Loop): Lonesome Lake Trail → Fishin’ Jimmy Trail → North Kinsman → Kinsman Ridge Trail → South Kinsman → Return via Kinsman Ridge Trail → North Kinsman → Kinsman Pond Trail → Lonesome Lake Trail. This route provides varied terrain, from gradual forested paths to steep, rugged sections, with scenic stops at Lonesome Lake and Kinsman Pond.
- Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,150 Feet
- Miles to North Kinsman Summit: 4.1 miles
- Miles to South Kinsman Summit: an additional .9 miles
- Total Distance: 11.2 miles round trip
- Trailhead Location: Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch, NH
This hike offers beautiful views, alpine ponds, and a mix of steep and moderate sections, making it one of the more scenic ways to experience the Kinsmans.
Exploring the Kinsmans: Trail Reports & Hiking Resources
This North and South Kinsman loop hike offers a mix of rugged climbs, scenic lakes, and rewarding summit views. Whether you take in the sights at Lonesome Lake, navigate the steep ledges of Fishin’ Jimmy, or pause at Kinsman Pond, this route provides a dynamic and memorable trek through the White Mountains.
If you’re planning your own Kinsman adventure, here are some useful resources:
- 📍 Peakbagger.com – North & South Kinsman – Track your 4000-footer progress, log summits, and check elevation data.
- 🌦 NewEnglandTrailConditions.com – This site provides updates from recent hikes by other climbers in the White Mountains.
- 🗺 AMC Trail Maps – A reliable trail map is always a good idea, especially on longer routes.
📸 Want to see more photos of 4000-footers? Check out the 4000s by 40 Visual Companion for photos from every peak.
📖 Curious about the full adventure? Grab a copy of 4000s by 40 and explore the stories behind the summits.