Cannon Mountain
4,100 ft | 4 trails | New Hampshire
4,100 ft
4 routes
Hard
NH 4000-Footer
About Cannon Mountain
At 4,100 feet, Cannon Mountain ranks among New Hampshire's celebrated 4000-Footers—a collection of 48 peaks that challenge and inspire hikers throughout the Northeast. This hard summit offers a quintessential White Mountain experience.
Popular Routes
The most popular route, **Kinsman Ridge Trail**, covers 4.2 miles and is rated Hard. Trail to Cannon Mountain summit.
Peak Bagging
**Extend Your Adventure:** North Kinsman lies just 2.5 miles away, making it an excellent addition for ambitious hikers looking to bag multiple summits.
Community Reviews
No Reviews Yet
Be the first to share your experience hiking Cannon Mountain!
Check Current Conditions
Trail conditions change frequently. Check recent reports on AllTrails or NE Trail Conditions before your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Cannon Mountain?
Most routes on Cannon Mountain take 2-4 hours round trip. The most popular trail is 4.2 miles with Hard difficulty. Start early, especially on weekends when parking fills quickly.
Is Cannon Mountain hard to hike?
Cannon Mountain is rated Hard. At 4,100 feet, expect challenging terrain above treeline with potential for rapid weather changes. Proper footwear and preparation are essential.
Do I need a permit to hike Cannon Mountain?
No hiking permit is required for Cannon Mountain. However, parking fees may apply at trailheads (typically $3-5/day for WMNF or state parks). A WMNF parking pass covers most White Mountain trailheads.
What is the best trail to hike Cannon Mountain?
The most popular route is the Kinsman Ridge Trail, offering Trail to Cannon Mountain summit..
When is the best time to hike Cannon Mountain?
The best hiking season for Cannon Mountain is late May through October. Summer and fall offer the best conditions, though expect crowds on weekends. Winter hiking requires specialized gear and experience.
Best Time to Visit
spring
March - May
Muddy trails, snow above 3000ft until May
summer
June - August
Best weather, occasional afternoon thunderstorms
fall
September - November
Peak foliage late Sept, early snow possible in October
winter
December - February
Full winter conditions, extreme cold and wind above treeline
Winter Gear Checklist
- Snowshoes/crampons
- Insulated boots
- Balaclava
- Hand/toe warmers
- Emergency bivy
Tip: Winter hiking requires specialized skills and gear. Never hike alone. Check avalanche conditions for steeper terrain.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- ⚠️ ALPINE ZONE: Weather changes rapidly. Turn back if conditions deteriorate.
- Winter conditions in effect - full mountaineering gear required
- Hypothermia risk - temperatures 20-40°F colder at summit
- Short daylight hours - carry headlamp
- Trail markers may be buried under snow
Turn-Around Time
2:00 PM recommended for summit
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Cannon Mountain. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
North Kinsman
4,293 ft
Mount Lincoln
5,089 ft
Mount Lafayette
5,260 ft
South Kinsman
4,358 ft
Peak Bagging Tip
North Kinsman is only 2.5 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!