Cannon Mt, Franconia Notch NH


• 5-star hikes
• 4 to 7 mile options
• Moderate & Hard | Gain 2,200 to 2,430 feet
• Franconia, NH | White Mountains
.   NH4K      T25   A bright yellow aerial tramway car labeled “Cannon” hangs mid-air from thick steel cables, gliding above a vast mountainous landscape in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. The tram is tethered to a tall, orange steel support tower on the left, its angular frame contrasting with the natural surroundings. Below and beyond, forested slopes stretch into the distance, their autumn foliage painting the terrain in warm hues of amber, rust, and gold. The sky is clear and blue, offering crisp visibility across the rolling hills and distant peaks. The elevated vantage point emphasizes the dramatic drop below and the expansive wilderness beyond, capturing both the engineering feat and the scenic grandeur of the region.
The 1980 Aerial Tramway's last season before a 2026-27 rebuild.

 ⚠ Aerial tramway closed Oct 2025 for approx two years for replacement work. 

Cannon Mountain stands as one of Franconia Notch State Park’s prominent peaks, its western cliff face visible from Interstate 93 below. The easiest way to reach the summit is via the mountain’s aerial tramway, which has been ferrying sightseers and skiers since 1938, but hikers will likely prefer one of two popular trails to the peak.

The most frequently used trail is an out-and-back route along the Kinsman Ridge Trail, beginning at the tram base and leading to the viewing platform at the summit. We’ve yet to hike this route, as we were instead drawn to the alternative Hi-Cannon Trail, which ascends the mountain’s southern flank and offers additional breathtaking views over the Franconia Ridge, the Kinsman Mountains and Lonesome Lake.
⬤ Kinsman Ridge   3.6 mi out & back, gain 2,200 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ 5★ Hi-Cannon & Lonesome Lake   5.2 mi loop, hard, gain 2,340 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
⬤ Cannon Mt Loop   6.5 mi loop, gain 2,430 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 P  Free parking

Combining the Hi-Cannon Trail with a return via the Lonesome Lake Trail creates a satisfying loop that begins at Lafayette Place Campground. The Hi-Cannon climb is consistently moderately steep throughout, but surprisingly less rocky than many White Mountain trails. The Hi-Cannon Trail is listed on the Terrifying 25 list, mainly due to a short ladder section, but we found the ladder to be an easy climb. We actually found the return descent to be the hardest part of the loop - a steep, rocky downhill section requiring some careful rock-scrambling. Neither Hi-Cannon nor Kinsman Ridge trails are blazed, though the paths remain distinct and junctions are well-marked with signs.

Lonesome Lake is a destination unto itself, and well-placed wooden boardwalks make it easy to navigate around the lakeshore and appreciate its views. The AMC Lonesome Lake Hut, located at the far end of the lake, offers overnight accommodations as well as breakfast, dinner, and naturalist programs. All visitors can use the hut’s bathrooms, water refill stations, and purchase snacks, hot drinks, and soup at lunchtime. A lakeside platform near the hut also provides a great entry point for a cooling swim.

Split-image showing two forest scenes. Left: a dense woodland with tall conifers and deciduous trees, dappled sunlight filtering through autumn foliage onto a leaf-covered forest floor. Right: a steep mountain forest with a rocky cliff and wooden ladder descending into the valley; hiking boots visible at the bottom edge, overlooking evergreen slopes and a clear blue sky.
We found Hi-Canon Trail steep but not scary.

A third routing option is to combine an uphill Hi-Cannon Trail hike from Lafayette Place Campground with a downhill descent via the Kinsman Ridge Trail to the aerial tram base. A section of the Pemi Trail completes the circuit, as would one of the frequent (paid) shuttle buses.

Cannon Mountain is one of New Hampshire's 48 peaks over 4,000 feet in elevation and featureds in the 4K Challenge. If you're interested in tackling more of the state's tallest mountains, we've created a map that locates all the peaks and shows the shortest route to each, complete with links to detailed reviews. Check it out at the link at the foot of this page.

Scenic mountain landscape beneath a clear blue sky. In the foreground, autumn trees display vibrant orange, yellow, and red foliage, with some branches bare or partially bare. The background features rugged, forested mountains with rocky outcrops, bathed in warm morning or late afternoon light.
Morning Franconia Ridge views from Hi-Cannon.

Panoramic autumn mountain landscape viewed from a high vantage point. A winding road traces the valley on the left, bordered by dense forest in shades of yellow, orange, and green. At center, a small heart-shaped lake nestles among the trees. Rugged mountain ridges stretch into the distance beneath a clear blue sky.
Looking down on Lonesome Lake.

Yellow aerial tramway car labeled “Franconia Notch State Park” suspended on cables above a forested mountain landscape. Autumn foliage in shades of orange and gold blankets the valley below, with a winding road visible through the trees. Tramway tower and cables frame the scene, highlighting the park’s high-elevation transport system.
The easiest way up Cannon Mountain.

Dense forest with tall, slender trees and closely spaced trunks rising above a steep, rocky slope. The photo is taken looking uphill, capturing moss-covered boulders and rugged terrain under dappled sunlight. Fallen leaves scatter across the forest floor, adding texture to the challenging, natural landscape.
Steep Kinsman Ridge section between Canon and lake.

Calm lake in the foreground with scattered shoreline rocks, surrounded by dense forest in autumn colors—vibrant yellows, oranges, and greens. Rolling hills or low mountains rise in the background under a clear blue sky, framing the tranquil scene with seasonal warmth and natural contrast.
Lakeside on our counter-clockwise route.

Winding mountain road curves through a forested landscape in peak autumn, with trees displaying vivid shades of orange, yellow, and green. Towering rocky cliffs and forested slopes rise in the background beneath a clear blue sky, highlighting the contrast between rugged terrain and colorful foliage.
Franconia Notch, Cannon Mt summit top left.

Tangents:
• Official: Cannon Mountain
• AllTrails Public: Kinsman Ridge, Hi-Cannon & Lake, Cannon Mt Loop


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