How difficult is hiking Cannon Mountain?

Cannon Mountain is rated 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..

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

Prominence: 757 ft Range: Kinsman Range

Units

Elevation: 4,100 ft

Cannon Mountain - 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. - NH48 — 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.

Overview

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

Standard Routes

Kinsman Ridge Trail - via Lonesome Lake and Hi-Cannon. — 5.9 mi • 2,300 ft gain • Loop - semi-loop using Hi-Cannon up, Kinsman Ridge down. • Moderate
Kinsman Ridge Trail - direct from tram parking. — 4.4 mi • 2,250 ft gain • Out & back • Moderate/Difficult

Monthly Weather Averages

Climate context

Monthly climatology baseline near this summit elevation.

Related Trails & Routes

No related trails listed yet.

Parking & Access

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Difficulty Metrics

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Risk & Preparation

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Wilderness Safety

Data TBD for this route.

Trail & Terrain

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Conditions & Access

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Photo gallery

Cannon Mountain - This landscape photography captures Cannon Mountain's summit during a calm summer evening in the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire. The fading sunlight casts a warm glow over the ridge line and surrounding forest trail areas, emphasizing the serene mountain weather and expansive views typical of the White Mountains region. - NH48 — Evening Glow on Cannon Mountain Summit
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/6.3 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 2000`

Cannon Mountain - This landscape photography captures the distinctive granite face of Cannon Mountain framed by a dense forest trail bursting with autumn colors. The scene showcases the mountain weather's calm clarity in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, offering a serene summit view from a distance on a late September afternoon. - NH48 — Cannon Mountain Granite Face in Autumn
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art 012 | f/13.0 | 1/250 sec | ISO 320`

Cannon Mountain - This winter landscape photograph captures Cannon Mountain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a late afternoon in early February. The snow-dusted summit ridge glows gently under soft sunlight, with frosted trees lining the slopes. The scene showcases the peaceful mountain weather and expansive views typical of the White Mountain National Forest, inviting hikers and landscape photography enthusiasts to explore the serene winter terrain. - NH48 — Winter Light on Cannon Mountain Summit Ridge
`Canon EOS 5DS R | EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM | f/5.6 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200`

Trail-tested notes

Experience summary

I built this guide around field photography sessions on Cannon Mountain in Kinsman Range. Cannon Mountain is a 4,100-foot (1,249 m) mountain located in Grafton County, New Hampshire.

Conditions from experience

Summer and fall - black flies in spring; winter ascent common via ski slopes or Kinsman Ridge trail. Medium - summit open but a building and tower provide refuge; trail mostly wooded.

Planning tip

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.

Last reviewed: 2026-02-14