North Kinsman and South Kinsman - Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail - 9-17-2026

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	North Kinsman and South Kinsman, NH

	Trails:	Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

	Date of Hike:	Thursday, September 17, 2026

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	There were just 4 cars in the lot when I arrived. The lot was mostly full when I finished. I passed several large groups heading to the hut as I was on my way back to my car. No fee to park.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	All easily crossed with rock hopping

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	There are some blowdowns on Fishin Jimmy that are mostly step overs. Some require a bigger step over for us vertically challenged folks. Most of the bog bridges are holding up but there are some that are more rotten and will move under your feet. Nothing that flung me off the trail. There is one set of wooden steps that is missing 2 of them rendering them impossible for me to use. There are also a few ladders missing rungs but those were still useable.

	Dog-Related Notes:	No puppers seen today. Experienced trail dogs would be fine on this route and will find their own way on the steep slab sections.

	Bugs:	Nothing to speak of today and no hornets.

	Lost and Found:	I saw and did not touch a pair of mens underwear very close to the tentsite. They are still there for anyone brave enough to pick them up and pack them out.


	Comments:	New Hampshire welcomed me back with open arms and moody skies and conditions just the way I like them. I totally felt the love. Lonesome Lake trail is in fine shape and makes for quick hiking to the junction. The new boardwalks on Cascade Brook Trail are just beautiful and a pleasure to walk on. I could actually look at Lonesome Lake and not at my feet which was a treat. Fishin Jimmy has some wet and muddy sections and some of the slabs were wet and required care. The Kinsman Ridge trail is just a blast. I love the scrambles and the peek a boo views. There were some wet rocks and mud on that trail as well so I just watched my footing. Huge shout out to Julie and Juli from Maine who recognized me and kindly chatted with me on Fishin Jimmy and below the summit of the South Peak. It was lovely meeting you both and I hope you had a great hike and a nice stay at the hut tonight. And one more shout out to the nice couple who I pulled over to allow them to ascend the North peak but they let me come down and told me I "looked great" as I passed them. Totally made this old woman's day! Y'all rock!

	Name:	Uki

	E-Mail:	ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.com

	Date Submitted:	2026-09-17

	Link:	https://
		Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.