Cannon (#45)

9/17/2021

The previous day I had done a 17 mile hike to Owl’s Head. I then spent the night in North Lincoln at a motel. Looking back at my car camping days and it seems so primitive. My future plans, after the initial round of the 48, include a hammock system for overnighting in the back country. It was nice to sleep until 5 am and still be hiking by around 6:30. Could have started earlier but was hoping some of the overcast would burn off.

I set out on Kinsman Ridge Trail at 6:30. I had read that all routes up Cannon were tough and this trail was one of the tougher hikes. It did not have a lot of exposure, something I am not a huge fan and I picked this trail for that reason. The sign at the base indicated just over 2 miles to the top. Seems short. That means its going to steep. I was warned about the steepness while at Owl’s Head. After about an eighth of a mile, the steep began and did not relent until the top of Cannon Cliff.

The trail began as very lose dirt and gravel. Kind of slippery. The erosion in the lower section is significant and feels like a washout in places. It transitions into a more root filled trail with boulders.

The steep terrain was very sustained without breaks. The transition to boulder field was abrupt. In many spots water was flowing down the trail making it even more challenging. Slabs were becoming frequent as well. With some falling leaves on wet slabs, I had to plan every foot placement pretty carefully as I planned several steps ahead.

Once through the slab section not only was I relieved but was surprised at how lush and green the trail became. It was still very steep and wet but the rock was more porous and provided excellent traction.

As I went higher the trees began to shrink, it got colder and more windy. The trail seemed to level off and moderate. After a little rock hoping through some muddy sections, I was at the look out at the top of Cannon Cliff. If you have ever driven Route 93 through Franconia Notch, you know of Cannon Cliff. When traveling north, it is the massive cliff face on the left on the northern end of the notch. It was once the home of the Old Man of The Mountain. Knowing I was standing at the top of this was amazing and a little scary to be honest. There is a bit of distance before the big drop off though. I was denied a view of Franconia Ridge across the notch on this day. Eagle Cliff would peek out from the undercast but the ceiling never lifted enough to reveal Lincoln and Lafayette.

Above the lookout, the trail becomes much more alpine in feel. The trees are short and the wind was strong through the notch from Lonesome Lake. The hike was not nearly as steep in this upper section but remained very technical.

The summit is Cannon Mountain is a tourist destination. There is tram that carries people to the summit where the lodge is open for food and drinks. There is a short trail, The Rim Trail, that winds its way to the lookout tower that commands amazing views of Franconia Ridge and The Kinsmans. I arrived here before the first trams of the day. I spent about an hour on the summit roaming around the tower and buildings. I ate an early partial lunch at the lodge before packing up and heading down.

The hike up was difficult. I knew the hike down was going to be just as if not more difficult. Those slabs where I was on all fours can’t be negotiated in the same way going down. I’d have to find hand holds, roots and trees on the edge. I made my way pretty easily down the upper alpine section approaching the Cannon Cliff lookout. I took in the views once again and then left for the lower, steep, wet slabs of the lower section.

Going into these sections knowing it’s going to be slow and technical helps a lot. I took my time and considered each step and what was coming next. I really like my new Vasque boots. I was concerned about switching from Keen (got a good buy on the Vasque). The new boots are much stiffer but have excellent grip, just as my Keens do.

A short but very intense hike! I will most definitely be back to Cannon, could even be before winter. Hi-Cannon Trail is calling. This hike is not one to start your hiking adventures on. There are several that could lead up to the steeps on Cannon. Hancocks, Jackson and East Osceola chimney come to mind.

Miles	Elev Gain	Time
5.5	2286	4 Hours