Fishin’ Jimmy Trail

Fishin’ Jimmy Trail is a 1.8-mile, one-way Appalachian Trail segment from Lonesome Lake Hut to the Kinsman Pond and Kinsman Ridge junction. It climbs through forest to a backcountry pond and shelter; it is not a loop. Allow about 1½ to 2 hours for this stretch. If you hike it as an out-and-back from the road, the 1.6-mile Lonesome Lake Trail approach each way brings the whole outing to roughly 6.8 miles.

The route starts fairly level, crosses a small creek, then climbs. Most of it stays under trees, and the path is often wet. Several short wooden ladders and timber steps fixed to a rock ledge break up the steep pitches; moss can make them slick. Take care on the steps, especially after rain.

The trail reaches the junction by Kinsman Pond Shelter on the pond’s north shore. There are tent platforms and a composting toilet, but no potable water. Treat pond water before drinking. From the shore, include the boulder-strewn edge in the foreground to keep the pond and wooded ridge together in the frame. The shelter connects onward to Kinsman Ridge and Kinsman Pond trails, so continuing to either Kinsman summit is a longer hike than this segment.

There is no road access at the start: park at Lafayette Campground Trailhead, then hike 1.6 miles up Lonesome Lake Trail to the hut, gaining about 1,000 feet. The approach usually takes one to two hours. Lonesome Lake Hut serves meals during its full-service season, but it is a separate stop at the start of Fishin’ Jimmy; dogs cannot stay overnight at the hut.