South Kinsman Mountain

Trail: Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow, Leaves - Significant/Slippery

“Carried snowshoes but didn't use them. Bareboots for the first 2.25 miles or so were fine until the ice patches began. There was a fair amount of ice but my Hillsounds worked great. Sharp Microspikes would likely have worked as well. Monorail was solid though had softened a bit on my return with the sun and warm temps. I only postholed 2 times when I mistakenly stepped too far off center. Flicked tons of small twigs off the trail and picked up several medium sized ones both on my ascent and descent. Chatted a bit with a few friendly folks. What a day!! Views and weather were spectacular!”

Trail: Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches

“The first two miles to the Bald Peak spur is devoid of snow. But once you pass that junction you will need to have sharp micros on from there to the North and South summits. Not really that much time or effort from North to South. Definitely a must do.The snow is solid and I never post holed because I stayed in the center on the trail. I carried my snowshoes on my pack the whole time, but I didn’t need them. Great trail to hike very well maintained. Several tree and limbs on the trail, but nothing required too much effort to avoid. The four streams crossings were easily managed, but as I was told by hiker Chad who was on his way down to be careful of the black ice on the tops of the rocks. Great advice and nice to talk about the trail conditions and hiking too. Thanks. Easy to park, but you need to pay with envelope. Unfortunately no views from the summits or outlooks because of the clouds. Either way it was an excellent day to hike these peaks.”

Trail: Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Spring Snow

“Far better conditions than expected for edge season hiking. Bareboots up to the Bald spur, then spikes for the rest of the hike. The trail is a mix of dry, mud, ice, packed snow, but no post holing today, although someone wasn't so lucky a few days ago. My recommendation - bring the snowshoes and hope you don't need them. As the ridge softens they might be helpful.”