A.T. - Kinsmans Notch to Lafayette Campground - Member Hike

Hike Name:	A.T. - Kinsmans Notch to Lafayette Campground
Country:	United States
State:	New Hampshire
Nearby Town:	North Woodstock
Rating:
Directions:	From the junction of NH 112 and NH 118 follow New Hampshire Route 112 into Kinsman Notch. After 3.6 miles there is a hiker's parking area on the left side of the road. This is just before the Appalachian Trail crosses the road.
Total Hike Distance:	14.20 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Difficult
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	One-Way, Shuttle Hike
Hike Starts:	Kinsman Notch
Hike Ends:	Lafayette Campground
Trails Used:	Appalachian Trail
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams, Springs
Management:	State Forest Service
Contact Information:	Appalachian Mountain Club - Pinkham Notch Visitors Center Maintains A.T. in... Maine and New Hampshire Address: P. O. Box 298 City: Gorham State: New Hampshire ZIP: 03581-0298 Phone:603-466-2721 Web: http://www.outdoors.org/ Email: information@amcinfo.org
Best Season:	Fall
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	Kinsman Notch is the beginning of the rugged White Mountains for the northbound distance hiker. For many, the Whites are the highlight of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, and the dramatic scenery and long ridge walks attract many day and overnight hikers. As a result, this section has some of the heaviest backcountry trail traffic on the entire Appalachian Trail. Regardless, many hikers list the White Mountains as one of their favorite sections of the Trail. The Kinsman Mountains (including both South Kinsman at 4,358 feet and North Kinsman at 4,293 feet) are part of this high elevation area that is subject to severe weather. Snow is possible in any season, so make sure you are ready for all weather conditions, even in the summer. The Kinsman Mountains have some tough rock scrambles that require hand over hand climbing, but Kinsman Pond campsite is nearby and makes it all worth the effort. The shelter and pond are a great place to overnight or relax for a while. Lonesome Lake Hut, fourteen miles from Kinsman Pond, is another nice stop. It is the first Hut for the northbound hiker that is maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the lake has a dock for swimming if the weather permits it. From here, it's only a short distance to Lafayette Campground which has more facilities including a lodge, tent sites, restrooms, showers, and a small store.