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4,100 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Cannon Mountain

Cannon Mountain is a 4,100 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Via Kinsman Ridge Trail: 4 mi, 2,230 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Cannon Mountain in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Cannon Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation4,100 ft1,249 m
  • RouteVia Kinsman Ridge TrailClass 1
  • Distance4 mi2,230 ft gain
  • Time3 – 6 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire

Climbing the Via Kinsman Ridge Trail

From Franconia Notch, the Kinsman Ridge Trail climbs steeply and directly to the summit, or ride the aerial tramway for a much shorter effort. Cannon rises dramatically above the notch, famous as the former home of the Old Man of the Mountain and for its cliffs. The hiking trail is rooty, rocky, and steep, slick when wet, while the observation tower near the top gives wide views. Start early if hiking and carry water. Ski-area infrastructure and the tram make this an accessible but still rugged 4,000-footer.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (15–25 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • GPS Device
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Cannon Mountain on Yak

Climbers have shared 11 climbs of Cannon Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Cannon Mountain

Peaks near Cannon Mountain

  1. North Kinsman Mountain

    North Kinsman Mountain

    4,293 ft · 2.5 mi away

  2. Mount Lafayette

    Mount Lafayette

    5,260 ft · 2.7 mi away

  3. Mount Lincoln

    Mount Lincoln

    5,089 ft · 2.7 mi away

  4. South Kinsman Mountain

    South Kinsman Mountain

    4,358 ft · 3.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cannon Mountain?

Cannon Mountain is 4,100 feet (1,249 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

How does Cannon Mountain rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,100 feet, Cannon Mountain is the 46th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Cannon Mountain?

The Via Kinsman Ridge Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 4 miles with 2,230 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Cannon Mountain?

Most people take 3 – 6 hours round trip on the Via Kinsman Ridge Trail, covering 4 miles with 2,230 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Cannon Mountain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Via Kinsman Ridge Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Cannon Mountain?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Cannon Mountain?

The Via Kinsman Ridge Trail starts at about 1,960 feet, roughly 2,140 feet below the summit.

Climb Cannon Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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