How difficult is hiking Cannon Mountain?

Cannon Mountain is rated as Moderate difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Cannon Mountain?

Typically, hiking Cannon Mountain takes 4–6 hours - loop via Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake..

Cannon Mountain

Q: What are the main hiking routes to Cannon Mountain?

The main routes to Cannon Mountain include: Kinsman Ridge Trail - via Lonesome Lake and Hi-Cannon., Kinsman Ridge Trail - direct from tram parking..

Cannon Mountain is a 4,100-foot (1,249 m) mountain located in Grafton County, New Hampshire.

Prominence: 757 ft Range: Kinsman Range

Elevation: 4,100 ft

Cannon Mountain with snow patches and forest in White Mountains, New Hampshire — An expansive landscape view of Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire's White Mountains, showcasing lingering late winter snow patches on rugged cliffs and dense forest below under clear afternoon skies.

Cannon Mountain summit with forest and communication tower at sunset in White Mountains — The summit of Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire's White Mountains is bathed in soft summer sunset light, highlighting the dense forest and rugged ridge line. The scene captures tranquil mountain weather conditions within the White Mountain National Forest.

Cannon Mountain granite cliffs and colorful fall forest in White Mountains New Hampshire — A clear autumn afternoon reveals Cannon Mountain's rugged granite cliffs and vibrant fall foliage within the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The expansive White Mountain National Forest stretches across the horizon under soft, diffused sunlight highlighting the seasonal colors.

Snow-covered Cannon Mountain summit ridge in winter afternoon light — A crisp winter afternoon bathes Cannon Mountain's summit ridge in soft light, highlighting the snow-covered trees and rugged terrain. The White Mountains of New Hampshire reveal a serene, frosted landscape under clear skies in the White Mountain National Forest.

Rocky alpine slope with lichen-covered slabs and low shrubs below a rounded ridgeline at sunset near Cannon Mountain — A telephoto view isolates a rugged alpine mountainside in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where lichen-stained granite slabs and boulder fields break into patches of low krummholz. The rounded ridgeline rises toward a near-summit crest beneath a partly cloudy sky, with soft sunset light flattening shadows and emphasizing the slope’s diagonal textures. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Close-up of a gnarled tree trunk with moss and an oval knot opening, evergreens blurred behind near Cannon Mountain — An intimate close-up of a weathered tree trunk reveals rugged reddish-brown bark, moss, and lichen, with a natural knot forming an oval hollow. Soft sunset light and shallow depth of field blur the surrounding evergreens, turning a quiet White Mountains woodland moment into a study of texture, age, and resilience. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Telephoto sunset view of hazy mountain ridges above a valley with a winding road and buildings near Cannon Mountain — A telephoto view looks across a broad White Mountains valley as overlapping ridgelines recede into soft atmospheric haze. Patchy late-day light and drifting clouds create alternating bands of sun and shadow on forested slopes, while a winding road and scattered buildings hint at the scale of the landscape below. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Close-up of lichen and moss on a weathered branch with blurred evergreen needles behind near Cannon Mountain — An intimate close-up of a weathered branch coated in pale lichen and tiny moss growth, set against a softly blurred backdrop of evergreen needles. The shallow depth of field and diffuse afternoon light emphasize peeling bark, subtle greens, and rugged wood grain—an understated portrait of life reclaiming deadwood in the White Mountains’ forest. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Close-up of moss and lichen on tree bark with green forest vegetation in background near Cannon Mountain — Detailed close-up of moss and lichen growing on tree bark in a dense forest during late spring. The image captures vibrant green foliage under diffused natural afternoon light in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Water droplets drip from a dark mossy overhang above wet rock and leaf litter near Cannon Mountain — A close-up study of a moss-covered bank where clear water beads and drips from a dark, undercut ledge. Fresh greens, wet stone, and scattered leaf litter create a quiet forest-floor scene, highlighting the small-scale textures and movement that appear after rain or snowmelt in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Close-up of a red wildflower on a tall stem in a leafless spring forest near Cannon Mountain — A single red wildflower rises on a slender stem, framed against a softly blurred backdrop of leafless hardwoods. Diffuse overcast light keeps the color rich and even, while early spring greens hint at new growth on the forest floor. A minimalist woodland study from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Telephoto view of a forested mountain ridge with a rocky summit outcrop under layered clouds near Cannon Mountain — A long-lens view isolates a forested White Mountains ridgeline, where dense conifers climb toward a rugged, light-gray rock outcrop near the summit. Layered clouds drift across a softly lit spring sky, adding depth and atmosphere while the cliff band’s vertical fractures and ledges stand out against the dark green slope. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Fresh green spring leaves in sharp focus above blurred leaf litter and moss on the forest floor near Cannon Mountain — A close-up study of newly emerged spring leaves on a slender branch, rendered in crisp focus against a softly blurred forest-floor backdrop. Brown leaf litter, mossy ground cover, and fallen wood create a textured, earthy setting, while gentle dappled daylight highlights the bright green growth—an intimate White Mountains detail scene. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Close-up of a spring seedling with two unfolding leaves and a bud on leaf litter near Cannon Mountain — A close-up view of a delicate spring seedling as two young leaves unfold around a central bud. The shallow depth of field turns the surrounding forest floor into a soft wash of leaf litter and mossy greens, emphasizing fine hairs along the stem and the fresh texture of new growth in warm afternoon light. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Layered White Mountains ridges and a rounded peak under partly cloudy sunset light near Cannon Mountain — A sweeping springtime view across the White Mountains as late-day light breaks through a partly cloudy sky. Forested slopes and rugged cliff bands frame a broad valley, while a rounded high peak rises beyond in soft atmospheric haze. Moving cloud shadows create dramatic contrast across the ridgelines and highlight the region’s granite textures. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Bracket fungi growing on a tree trunk in a snowy, misty forest in the White Mountains during spring afternoon near Cannon Mountain — A close-up view of bracket fungi growing on a tree trunk in a misty forest with patches of snow on the ground, captured in the White Mountains during early spring afternoon light. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Communications tower above lichen-covered boulders and spruce scrub in dense summit fog near Cannon Mountain — Dense fog wraps a rocky alpine outcrop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, softening the scene into muted greens and granite grays. Lichen-covered boulders and wind-shaped spruce-fir scrub surround a communications structure with overhead cables, emphasizing the exposed, high-elevation setting and the quiet, low-visibility mood of a spring afternoon above treeline. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Shingled wooden structure with translucent panels, seen through evergreen branches in foggy overcast light near Cannon Mountain — An upward-looking view frames a weathered shingle-sided wooden structure with translucent window panels, partially veiled by spruce-like evergreen branches. Mist clings to the upper railing under a bright, overcast sky, creating soft contrast and a quiet, high-elevation mood. The scene emphasizes texture, geometry, and atmosphere rather than a specific landmark. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Rime-coated spruce treetops fading into dense fog on a cold spring afternoon near Cannon Mountain — A dense stand of high-elevation conifers disappears into thick fog as rime ice coats needles and branches. The scene is quiet and low-contrast, with wind-shaped treetops and muted greens and grays that suggest a cold spring afternoon in the White Mountains. No horizon or distant peaks are visible through the cloud. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Close-up of evergreen branches coated with rime ice against a bright overcast sky near Cannon Mountain — A close-up study of evergreen needles and twigs coated in rime ice, set against a bright, overcast sky. Shallow depth of field isolates crisp, crystalline texture in the foreground while the background branches dissolve into soft blur, emphasizing the quiet, cold atmosphere typical of early spring conditions in the White Mountains. Trip context places this image with Cannon Mountain.

Snowy Cannon Mountain Under a Low Winter Sky poster — Deep snow, frosted spruce, and distant cliff bands define this winter view from Cannon Mountain.

Mountain Overview

Cannon Mountain is a 4,100-foot (1,249 m) mountain located in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It is situated at the northern end of the Franconia Range, overlooking Franconia Notch. Cannon Mountain is known for its nearly vertical east face of cliffs (the site of the former Old Man of the Mountain rock profile) and for the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which carries visitors to near its summit. The mountain is a popular destination for both hiking and skiing (home to Cannon Mountain Ski Area). At the summit, an observation tower provides excellent views of Franconia Notch, the Kinsman Range, and the surrounding White Mountains. Cannon Mountain stands at the northern end of Franconia Notch and is famous for its near-vertical east face of cliffs. Historically, the mountain was often called Profile Mountain because it was home to the Old Man of the Mountain, the iconic granite profile that for centuries jutted from Cannon’s cliffs. The Old Man formation was first noticed by surveyors around 1805, and it became a symbol of New Hampshire (eventually being chosen as the state emblem). Tourists flocked to see it throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Sadly, on May 3, 2003, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed and fell from the cliff, despite efforts to secure it. The loss was widely mourned, but the site remains a pilgrimage spot with a memorial. Aside from its natural profile, Cannon Mountain made history in another way: it was the site of North America’s first passenger aerial tramway, opened in 1938. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway was a marvel of its time – built to whisk visitors (especially skiers) to the summit. Its grand opening drew thousands, and it operated (with upgrades) for over 80 years. The original 1938 car, which carried 27 passengers, was replaced in 1980 by a larger tram (Tram II) holding 70, and Cannon is now working on a third-generation tram. The presence of the tram spurred the development of Cannon as a ski area post-WWII, including trails cut by the CCC. Interestingly, before the tram’s existence, a carriage road was planned for Cannon in the 1850s but never built – instead, the Profile House hotel at the base would guide adventurous guests up on foot or horseback. Cannon’s summit also hosted an observation tower from the 1930s onward (the modern one gives a superb 360° view). Cannon Mountain thus has a dual legacy: geological icon (the Old Man) and engineering icon (the tramway). It remains a centerpiece of Franconia Notch State Park, combining natural beauty with historic innovation.

General Info

Elevation

4,100 ft

Prominence

757 ft

Range

Kinsman Range

Trail Type

Loop or Out & back

Difficulty

Moderate

Exposure

Medium - summit open but a building and tower provide refuge; trail mostly wooded.

Typical Time

4–6 hours - loop via Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - black flies in spring; winter ascent common via ski slopes or Kinsman Ridge trail.

Water availability

Yes - Lonesome Lake on route; otherwise no flowing water on steep sections.

Cell reception

Good - proximity to I-93 and ski area infrastructure often provides signal.

First Photo & Camera

Mountain

Cannon Mountain

Photo

Late Winter Snow Patches on Cannon Mountain

Description

This landscape photograph captures the rugged terrain of Cannon Mountain during early spring in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Snow still clings to the steep rock faces and forested slopes, while the afternoon sun highlights the varied textures of the ridge line and distant mountain ranges. The image reflects crisp mountain weather typical of March in the White Mountain National Forest, inviting hikers and landscape photographers to explore the season's transition.

Dimensions

6720 x 4480

Credit

Static map preview

Cannon Mountain: summit area with linked trail context.

Summit: 44.1566, -71.6988

Trails: Kinsman Ridge Trail, Lonesome Lake Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail - via Lonesome Lake and Hi-Cannon.

NOAA / NWS Snapshot unavailable

MWOBS Higher Summits ForecastOfficial higher-summit outlook for exposed White Mountain terrain

Live summit weather is temporarily unavailable. Monthly climate normals are never substituted for current observations. Static trip-planning guidance remains available below.

USNO Snapshot unavailable

Astronomy timing is temporarily unavailable.

High-summit climate profile

1991-2020 Mount Washington climate normals. Daylight is calculated at South Twin Mountain.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

0 / 3

Sources & method

Climate reference: Mount Washington, NH US · 6267 ft · 1991-2020

Solar reference: South Twin Mountain · 2026

Wind is not displayed: January hourly coverage is below the 80% threshold.

NOAA/NCEI · U.S. Climate Normals, Monthly 1991-2020 NOAA/NCEI · Global Hourly U.S. Naval Observatory · Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day

Climatology describes typical conditions, not a forecast.

Drainage context only, not a crossing safety decision. 2 linked water references; expand a row for sources and notes.

Route note: Yes - Lonesome Lake on route; otherwise no flowing water on steep sections.

Oliverian Brook USGS historical • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationOLIVERIAN BROOK AT NH 25, NR EAST HAVERHILL, NH • 01139300

USGS Historical

Oliverian Brook context for Moosilauke south-side access and Oliverian Brook Trail conditions after rain.

Nearby live proxy: CONNECTICUT RIVER AT WELLS RIVER, VT • WELLS RIVER AT WELLS RIVER, VT

Official source

Wild Ammonoosuc River USGS historical • 8.4 mi context • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationWILD AMMONOOSUC RIVER AT NH 116, NEAR BATH, NH • 01137975

USGS Historical

Wild Ammonoosuc context for Moosilauke, Kinsmans, and western Franconia foothill access roads and brook crossings.

Nearby live proxy: EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT LINCOLN, NH • CONNECTICUT RIVER AT WELLS RIVER, VT

Official source

Treat rising, stale, modeled, or missing readings conservatively.

Trail gradeGentle0–8%Moderate8–15%Steep15–25%Very steep25%+

South Kinsman Mountain → North Kinsman Mountain0.80 mi North Kinsman Mountain → Cannon Mountain3.14 mi

Route order: South Kinsman Mountain → North Kinsman Mountain → Cannon Mountain

Hover, touch, or use arrow keys for exact distance, terrain elevation, and grade. Terrain: 1 m USGS S1M DEM (NAVD88); summits: official NH48 elevations.

North Kinsman MountainSame trailClosest trail link

Trail: 3.14 mi
Gain: +1,745 ft
Loss: −1,522 ft
Time: 1 h 55 min

Summit-to-summit route

Cannon Mountain North Kinsman Mountain

Via Kinsman Ridge Trail

2.47 mi straight-line • low point 3,274 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Cannon Mountain 4,054 ftcol / low point 3,274 ftNorth Kinsman Mountain 4,271 ft

South Kinsman MountainSame trail

Trail: 3.94 mi
Gain: +2,078 ft
Loss: −1,772 ft
Time: 2 h 21 min

Summit-to-summit route

Cannon Mountain South Kinsman Mountain

Via Kinsman Ridge Trail

2.99 mi straight-line • low point 3,273 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Cannon Mountain 4,054 ftcol / low point 3,273 ftSouth Kinsman Mountain 4,352 ft

Lafayette Place Campground or Cannon Mountain Tram parking - Franconia Notch.

Trailhead parking

Large parking areas at tram and Lafayette Place; very accessible - may need parking fee at tram lot during tourist season.

Trailhead

Lafayette Place Campground or Cannon Mountain Tram parking - Franconia Notch.

Capacity

200 vehicles (est.)

No WMNF seasonal road listing

Primary trailheads are linked, but no WMNF seasonal access-road dependency is currently linked to this route. This is common for state highways, AMC lots, ski-area lots, or year-round paved road access.

Verify official sources and posted signs before driving to a trailhead.

Technical difficulty (1-10)

Physical effort (1-10)

Difficulty class

Moderate

Typical completion time

4–6 hours - loop via Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake.

Risk factors

Scramble / steep

Preparation notes

Carry the 10 essentials and prepare for rough footing and rapid weather changes.

Bailout distance

0 mi

Weather exposure

Medium - summit open but a building and tower provide refuge; trail mostly wooded.

Field planning note

Kinsman Ridge Trail - via Lonesome Lake and Hi-Cannon. - 5.9 - 2,300 - Moderate - Loop - semi-loop using Hi-Cannon up, Kinsman Ridge down. Yes - Lonesome Lake on route; otherwise no flowing water on steep sections. Large parking areas at tram and Lafayette Place; very accessible - may need parking fee at tram lot during tourist season.

Water availability

Yes - Lonesome Lake on route; otherwise no flowing water on steep sections.

Cell reception

Good - proximity to I-93 and ski area infrastructure often provides signal.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - black flies in spring; winter ascent common via ski slopes or Kinsman Ridge trail.

Terrain

Steep sections with rocky, eroded trail; Hi-Cannon has ladder rung and narrow ledge; upper mountain crosses ski trails - gravel/grass.

Scramble sections

Minor - a few ledgy areas where hands may be used; one ladder on Hi-Cannon Trail.

View type

360° - observation tower with panoramic vista; also cliffs overlooking Franconia Notch.

Summit marker

Observation tower and summit station - USGS benchmark on rock near tower.

Flora / environment

Northern hardwoods at base; transition to spruce-fir by mid-mountain; small alpine meadow feel around ski slopes near summit - grass and low scrub.

Cannon Mountain Route & Conditions

Route

Cannon Mountain's standard hiking options include Kinsman Ridge Trail - via Lonesome Lake and Hi-Cannon at 5.9 miles with 2,300 feet of gain and Kinsman Ridge Trail - direct from tram parking at 4.4 miles with 2,250 feet of gain. A typical completion time is 4–6 hours - loop via Hi-Cannon and Lonesome Lake.

Terrain and exposure

This is a moderate Kinsman Range hike. Expect steep sections with rocky, eroded trail; Hi-Cannon has ladder rung and narrow ledge; upper mountain crosses ski trails, gravel/grass. Scrambling is minor, with a few ledgy areas where hands may be used; one ladder on Hi-Cannon Trail. Upper-mountain terrain includes northern hardwoods at base; transition to spruce-fir by mid-mountain; small alpine meadow feel around ski slopes near summit, grass and low scrub and 360°, observation tower with panoramic vista; also cliffs overlooking Franconia Notch. Weather and exposure are defining planning concerns here: medium, summit open but a building and tower provide refuge; trail mostly wooded.

Weather window

The best normal hiking window is summer and fall, roughly black flies in spring; winter ascent common via ski slopes or Kinsman Ridge trail. In September, average summit conditions are about 43 F. Carry the 10 essentials and prepare for rough footing and rapid weather changes.

Water, signal, and bailout

Water is available: lonesome Lake on route; otherwise no flowing water on steep sections. Cell reception is good, proximity to I-93 and ski area infrastructure often provides signal. Bailout options include Tramway summit station during operating hours for shelter/assistance and descend via ski trails if necessary, in winter or off-hours, still an option down to base. Nearby live water context is available from Oliverian Brook and Wild Ammonoosuc River.

Trailhead and access

The most common trailhead is Lafayette Place Campground Trailhead, with room for about 200 vehicles. Large parking areas at tram and Lafayette Place; very accessible - may need parking fee at tram lot during tourist season. Other linked starts include Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway Base, Kinsman Notch / Beaver Pond Trailhead, and Profile Lake Trailhead.

Connected route context

Major linked trails include Kinsman Ridge Trail, Lonesome Lake Trail, and Hi-Cannon Trail. Nearby 4,000-footer connections include North Kinsman Mountain and South Kinsman Mountain.