Cannon Mountain - NH
Updated: Apr 26, 2020
Cannon Mountain was a great first hike this year. Weather wasn't cold and the trail wasn't crowded (though the trails up to Franconia Ridge looked like they would be jammed packed based on the number of vehicles parked). I followed the Lonesome Lake Trail about .4 miles to the Hi-Cannon Trail turn off.
At this point the switchbacks start and packs of snow appear. Not enough snow for spikes but a clear indication that I was likely going to need them soon enough.The trail also becomes narrower and will continue this way for the rest of the hike up to the observation tower. Dodge Cut-off enters Hi-cannon trail from the left after .8 miles.
Except for a few clear blazes at the beginning and around the summit of Cannon, this hike you will have to look out for blazes. There were a couple of spots that if you aren't paying attention you can get off trail (though honestly not far enough you couldn't find your way back). There were several spots were the winter damage was still evident as well.
Continuing along Hi-Cannon Trail the snow increased. This would begin the careful balancing act on very narrow snow pack most of the rest of the way up to the tower. The microspikes came in quite handing during this part of the hike. After a series of steep rocky ledges, there is a wooden ladder of about 15' tall that took me up to a small ledge that would be really nasty if icy. After the ladder the trail follows a cliff edge with a couple of great outlooks over Lonesome Lake and Franconia Ridge.
At mile 2, Hi-Cannon trail intersects Kinsman trail which will take me to the top of Cannon mountain in .4 miles. This last .4 miles was fairly gradual and I had to deal with snow pack that was often in pools of water. Occasionally, breaking through the snow pack resulting in a splash and me waiting for the icy water to fill my boot.
I had the summit to myself and could enjoy the view. Felt excited for the beginning of summer hiking season and already started thinking about where next to explore. The trip down was uneventful and again utilized the microspikes. Without them I think I would have spent more time on my butt than my feet. It was a great first hike of the season and reminded me that I might try to do a bit more winter hiking to avoid the soreness that came for sitting on my butt all winter.
