Lonesome Lake is a 12.2-acre (49,000 m 2) water body located in Franconia Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, south of Cannon Mountain. After a mile, High Cannon Trail splits to the right. Very steep going up hi-cannon with one short ladder near the top (very doable for anyone who’s nervous). Kinsman Ridge/Hi-Cannon Trails (3850'), Once in Franconia Notch State Park (where there is no median strip and the highway signs are brown instead of green), take the first exit. We started up the Kinsman Ridge Trail to the summit of Cannon Mountain. Didn't get a chance to go around the lake - a reason to come back later. Plus, you can check Cannon off your list of 4,000-footers! Lafayette parking lot to the start of the Lonesome Lake trail, saving us the risk of crossing the freeway. trail morphed as you went up. The ladder section is fun. Reservations for day use are required. Only a few lookout points along Hi-Cannon, but the forested path was lovely and the little ladder was fun! Great hike regardless. Nature Topic: Yellow Clintonia / Bluebead Lily, Late Fall Hiking: How to Hike in Comfort and Safety, A Fascination with Fire Towers in New Hampshire and Vermont, Full Gear List of What to Take With You on the Trail, Hiking Safely Through the Seasons in the Mountains, Actual vs. Consistently steep! We were out there for over 8 hours. The views are incredible. Trail Map: Franconia Notch trail map. Be very careful if weather conditions are not appropriate, those rocks would be very difficult and dangerous to climb for the regular Joe or Jane if they were wet. At lower elevations we were fortunate enough to get some glimpses towards Franconia Ridge and Down towards Lonesome Lake. We wore snow shoes from start to finish. It climbs slightly from the campground, then turns left and crosses several small brooks; a couple of the crossings are on plank bridges. Kinsman Ridge trail is extremely steep going down towards Lonesome Lake trail. AMC Huts are in backcountry locations and are “off the grid”. You are on the side of the mountain which has spectacular views. The Lonesome Lake Trail is a fantastic moderately difficult hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We took Hi-Cannon up and Lonesome Lake down. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. Scott, on his 48th birthday, and Fred did Cannon Mtn., up via Hi-Cannon and Kinsman Ridge Trails, then down to Lonesome Lake. https://www.nhstateparks.org/covid-19 The view from the ledges is spectacular down into the bowl of Lonesome Lake. CFoggy the first quarter mile up, then it became steady rain up to the peak/tower. This trail is definitely difficult and took much longer than expected but was tons of fun and a great challenge. Situated on a high plateau below Cannon Mountain and the Cannonballs, Lonesome Lake is one of the state's most popular and scenic mountain ponds. Particularly Special Place. The lot provides access to Lonesome Lake, Pemi Trail, Old Bridal Path, Falling Waters and Hi Cannon to Kinsman. Total time was roughly 5:50. not sure moving time, but we took at least 45 minutes of lunch and breaks. Those last three trails were tons easier and very peaceful and pretty. Would 10/10 recommend doing when dry or with waterproof gear if it’s raining. Total distance to the summit is 2.6 miles one way. The ladder is nerve-racking if you’re scared of heights. Start from the Lafayette... Route Description. Cannon Mountain, Franconia Picture: Lonesome Lake Trail - Check out Tripadvisor members' 4,115 candid photos and videos of Cannon Mountain The Pemi Trail runs along a brook and 93. From the intersection, you will now take the “Fishin Jimmy Trail’ for the exit. Surface Conditions: Cannon Township approved a partnership with the West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association. Cannon Mountain (4,100’) is one of the shortest 4,000-footers, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this hike is easy! Hi-Cannon Trail – round trip: 5.54 miles, 2,564 feet, 4:02. 360 degree views at the top but not too many others along the way. Approx 8.5 miles, 4,250′ total elevation gain. I used my hands for a good chunk of it, and I'd guess it could be pretty dangerous in wet conditions. Awesome views from the lookouts closer to the top. Allow me to provide a few snippets of trail descriptions from “The 4000-footers of the White Mountains” and the “White Mountain Guide”: The waters of Echo Lake flow westerly toward the Connecticut River. This is a less popular and more-strenuous non-technical climb of Cannon Mountain. Before long, the trail joins the Kinsman Ridge Trail on the long southwestern arm of Cannon Mountain. Spikes are definitely required. This route takes Hi-Cannon up and Lonesome Lake down. Then it all changes. Moderate: The Kinsman Ridge Trail accesses the summit of Cannon Mountain, the Kinsmans, and many lesser peaks. It was a WET hike with lots of ankle deep puddles/mud pits. It was a manageable day hike with boot spikes. Lonesome Lake Trail. LINCOLN, NH — On Saturday November 28, 2020 at 2:50 p.m., the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department was notified of an injured hiker on the Lonesome Lake Trail in Lincoln. It's… After driving past Exit 34B, take the next exit signed as "Lafayette Place Campground - Trailhead Parking". Great day. There isn’t enough snow to need snowshoes yet. trail was also different on the way up than it was on the way down. The way down to Lonesome Lake had a ton of scrambling. Multiple trails intersect at the lake, Took Lonesome Lake to Cascade Brook to Basin Cascade Trail (which was where we’d parked). We did the extra bit around the lake which I recommend. If you are well prepared with proper shoes, weather conditions are right, you bring enough supplies of water and food, I totally recommend doing this trail. From trailhead to summit is 2.8 miles, making the total trip 5.6 miles. Very steep, almost no ice anymore, few mud patches. From the Tramway parking area, via the Kinsman Ridge Trail, Lonesome Lake Trail, Around Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Pemi Trail. It snowed consistently throughout our hike, which made the steep descent a little tricky. I was surprised by the quick elevation gain on Hi-Cannon, but I guess I shouldn’t have been. This day hike involved going along the Lonesome Lake Trailto the High Cannon Trailto the Kinsman Ridge Trailto the summit of Cannon Mountain, returning with a side trip to Lonesome Lakevia the Cascade Brook Trail: Parking area, Layfayette Campground, Lonesome Lake Trail - 1,760' High Cannon Trail - 0.4 miles - 2,165' Via High Cannon Trail There is also a tram that is open during ski season where you can get a one-way ticket down. It is only open seasonally, but if the doors are open you could at least warm up and take a break. Cannon Mountain, NH: Trails: Lonesome Lake Trail, Hi Cannon Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail: Date of Hike: Tuesday, December 22, 2020: Parking/Access Road Notes: If you have a car don't park at the trail head lot, there is another lot by the sheds that is plowed. The trail is only 1.6 miles each way, but it ascends steeply over a trail filled with boulders. Available stops include the summit canteen (if open), AMC Lonesome Lake hut, and Old Man of the Mountain viewing area. Lots of climbing. 4 stars since it doesn't have many lookout points, and the tower at the top offers great views but didn't feel quite as satisfying to me as views from a summit. After 0.4 mile the Hi-Cannon Trail leaves right while Lonesome Lake Trail continues ahead on long switchbacks. Typical Hiking Times and Outing Durations. There is a look-out tower at the top, and because this is a ski mountain, there is also a lodge that has a snack bar, bar and bathrooms. I highly recommend going around to the other side of Lonesome Lake on the way back - the views of Franconia Ridge from across the Lake are unbelievable. You will follow a yellow-blazed trail through a campground for 3/10 of a mile before you reach the junction of the Hi-Cannon Trail. The start on Hi-Cannon was deceiving easy and snow-free, but it got really deep and steep about halfway up. Share a Photo . Bunkhouses are not heated and have no lighting. More bog bridge… Steps on an otherwise treacherous slab. Hiking Trail Conditions Report: Peaks: Cannon Mountain, NH: Trails: Lonesome Lake Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail: Date of Hike: Friday, December 11, 2020: Parking/Access Road Notes: I was the first car at Lafayette Place at 7am. The trailhead is located directly off of this parking lot. Hi Cannon Trail. Those who are more adventurous may want to take the Hi-Cannon trail. Hi-Cannon was a fun and fast assent. We had an early ish start at 830 but luckily two guys were breaking it out with snow shoes. The Lonesome Lake Trail is the main route to the AMC Hut located just above the lake’s shore and and we followed it about half a mile to reach the Hi-Cannon Trail. Create Recommended Route or Trail . The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from April until November. The steepest section of Kinsman Ridge Trail below Cannon was quick; I was not on my feet. Hi Cannon Trail. The lake itself contains brook trout, so it is a good fishing destination during open season for trout ponds. Take a right onto Hi-Cannon Trail up to Kinsman Ridge Trail enjoying the views and the forest along the way. Overall took us just under 4 hours including a couple view stops. The trail is only 1.6 miles each way, but it ascends steeply over a trail filled with boulders. Lonesome Lake Trail/Kinsman Ridge Trail (3400'), Jct. We took a detour to the closed lodge, and there's a small trail around the back that leads to a deck with picnic tables. Follow the well-trodden and maintained Lonesome Lake trail west up moderate slopes. Kinsman Ridge Trail Needed spikes at elevation due to ice. Getting There: The trail-head for Lonesome Lake is located in the popular Lafayette Campground in Franconia State Park. The Basin (I93-S): 52 spots. Benchmark that was fairly far removed from the summit of North Kinsman. Met up with a couple of friends (including Right Turn) and we hit Cannon Mountain. Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake Trails Loop is a 9.0 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Lincoln, New Hampshire that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Roughly nine miles total. Share a Video . This was our first time hiking through snow. The Lonesome Lake Trail is a fantastic moderately difficult hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When I returned at 1pm there were about 2 dozen : Parking area, Layfayette Campground, Lonesome Lake Trail - 1,760' High Cannon Trail - 0.4 miles - 2,165' Via High Cannon Trail Cascade Brook cut-off - 0.4 miles - 2,960' Via Lonesome Lake and Cascade Brook trails: Lonesome Lake - 0.6 miles - 2,750' High Cannon Trail - 0.4 miles - 2,960' Kinsman Ridge Trail - … It was time for another hike in the White Mountains... We started from the same place, the Lafayette Campground, but this time we hiked on the west side of the I93. The information on this site may freely be used for personal purposes but may not be replicated on other websites or publications. The trails are technically marked, but the markers are very old and worn away. We used snow shoes up and snowshoes and butt slides down to Lonesome Lake. The trail contains very steep sections as well as a wooden ladder and a cliff view of Lonesome Lake. A loop trail around the lake shows you tranquil waters, mountain vistas, docks and beaches, and dark bogs. The Lonesome Lake Trail is the main route to the AMC Hut located just above the lake’s shore and and we followed it about half a mile to reach the Hi-Cannon Trail. Lonesome Lake from today’s hike The same view (with added selfie) from my hike here in winter. … 19. Electrical outlets are not available. Great climb, quite steep though - especially Kinsman trail over to Cannon, as we went up to Lonesome lake to Hi-Cannon rather than the other way around. Overall great hike! After a mile, High Cannon Trail splits to the right. The Hut is a cool place to stop: you can rent a room (ahead of time), dip your feet in the lake, and get some drinkable water from the spigot. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. It’s gorgeous and very easy to do, walking on planks most of the way. Spectacular views though, well worth it. Lonesome Lake is nestled in the mountains at almost 3000 feet. There are plenty of spots to enjoy the lake especially if you decide to take the trail around it, adding a little less than a mile.