[EngineCo.2]

Me and Young A.K. are going up to Cannon on 6/2 with a new hiker. Was thinking of taking Hi Cannon trail to the top then backtracking down to Lonesome Lake trail around the lake then back to car. Is this a worthy plan for a beginner hiker? Scenery is a plus for this trip. Are there other options for this, up to 7 miles or so ? Would appreciate any + all feedback. Thanks!
Ed

[silentcal]

High Cannon is a steep trail. A beginner may need a lot of breaks and some coaxing. Coming down the Kinsman Ridge Trail, there is a very rocky section that you'll need to pick your way down. Footing can be tricky in this section. Going around the Lonesome Lake trail is a cool experience with new hikers that might find the bog-bridging to be a great adventure.

Hope this helps

[EngineCo.2]

It does help. We've got all day to do it so that's not a problem. Just need to get over to the ice cream joint on 302 below Bear Notch Rd. before they close! Interesting hikes help keep people coming back for more. Thanks!
Ed

[Mass Hiker]

I'd skip the Hi Cannon if I were you. I hear there's a 15' ladder! Wait, that might be kinda cool! :headbang: I don't have any trip reports of my own... yet, but maybe this'll help: http://www.hikethewh...com/cannon.html

[silentcal]

The ladder is not all that bad. Granted if snow/ ice is still prevalent at that elevation, it may require much more care. All the trails up Cannon are steep, there is no way really to avoid the abrupt elevation gain. Kinsman Ridge Trail from the North might be the mellowest of them all, but there is heavy erosion on that trail.

A nice loop would also be to go up Kinsman Ridge Trail from Cannon ski Area. Up and over summit to the junction with the Lonesome Lake Trail. Take Lonesome Lake to the Around the Lake Trail. Take a right and go around the lake on bog bridging. Take in the Lonesome Lake hut, follow the trail on the opposite shore back to the Lonesome Lake Trail and take that to the campground at Lafayette. From there, take the Pemi Trail back to your car. It's about eight miles or so and you get a lot of different perspectives.

[rocksnrolls]

My first hike was Cannon via the Kinsman Ridge Tr from the tram parking lot. It really kicked my butt and I was very happy to be able to ride the tram back down. I later hiked the other routes and would say the Hi-Cannon is my favorite ascent route. Heading back via the Lonesome Lake Tr is a good idea. There are some ledges off that route with awesome views down to the Lake.

[New Hampshire]

Like Ron,my two trips up Cannon have involved the Kinsman Ridge from the tram parking lot. YES it is steep, but it is short. You get to the Cannon Cliffs pretty quickly, and that is A MUST visit destination. Ilike the Cannon cliffs BETTER than the summit itself since there are fewer people, and NO tourists. Just take it slow and enjoy it under some good weather.

Brian

P.S. And so you don'tget the wrong idea, this was done as only my second 4000 footer, and I am not know for my physicall prowness, so the "average" person should do quite well.

[EngineCo.2]

Wow, so many choices! I feel like a kid in a candy factory. I've checked out a few trip reports and they all look enticing.I'm guessing that as long as we let the newbie lead , we can pace ourselves into an awesome time. Like I said , we got all day. I want to say "Thanks" to all who gave thier insight . Seems as though Lonesome Lake is a multiple vote getter. I must say that we'll definately be including it on our trip. Hopin' to find my !@#$% camera and download for the report. Y'all are great! :beer:
Ed

[murph1134]

I am planning on doing Cannon mountain this weekend. Would ideally like to do the easiest hike possible that includes Lonesome Lake.

Anyone have a suggestion?