Cannon Mountain

Cannon Mtn – White Mountains, NH

Elevation –  4,100 feet

Distance of hike: 11.5 miles

Cannon Mountain, nestled within New Hampshire’s White Mountains, offers a fantastic loop hike that also incorporates the North Kinsman and South Kinsman peaks. Covering a distance of 11.5 miles, this trail took us around 10.5 hours to complete, making it an ideal day hike for those seeking adventure.

We began our hike at the Lafayette Campground parking lot, following the Lonesome Lake Trail towards the Kinsman Ridge Trail. There are numerous trail intersections in the initial section, so keep an eye out for signs pointing towards the Cannon Mountain summit.

Starting at 8 am, we reached Cannon Mountain’s summit by 10:30 am. Unfortunately, thick clouds obstructed our views, but on a clear day, the viewing tower offers stunning 360-degree panoramas. Continuing along the Kinsman Ridge Trail, we arrived at North Kinsman by 1 pm, just as the clouds began to clear, revealing breathtaking vistas. By 2 pm, we reached South Kinsman, which provided equally impressive 360-degree views and served as a perfect final peak before descending.

On our way back, we passed the Kinsman Pond Shelter, then followed the Fishing Jimmy Trail to the Lonesome Lake Trail, eventually returning to the parking lot. Despite the hike’s length, it was manageable in a day, and we didn’t feel rushed, reaching our car by 7 pm.

Our canine companion, Java, handled the hike well. However, there are some ladders along the trail, so ensure your pup is comfortable climbing staircase ladders, as the ascent can be steep. While there were some minor rock scrambles near the summits, Java navigated the trails with ease.

In conclusion, the Cannon Mountain loop hike offers a rewarding and scenic adventure in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Including the North Kinsman and South Kinsman peaks, this trail provides stunning views, exhilarating challenges, and a dog-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for a day hike with your four-legged friend.

Alternative Route:

For those seeking a different approach to summit Cannon Mountain, consider parking at the Cannon Mountain Ski Area parking lot, located just off I-93 at exit 34B. This alternative route runs almost parallel to the Cannon Aerial Tram, providing a unique perspective of the mountain.

The hike up to the summit covers 2 miles, with a viewpoint situated about 3/4 of the way up on the left. As an out-and-back hike, the total distance is 4 miles, making it a shorter yet still challenging option. The steep incline throughout the hike took us approximately 3 hours to complete.

Our dog, Java, navigated this route without any issues. However, be prepared for some rock scrambles near the summit and steep trails for most of the hike. This alternative path up Cannon Mountain offers a rewarding experience with stunning views, making it an excellent choice for those in search of a shorter, albeit challenging, hike.