The Cannon Balls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Cannon Balls (East peak) |
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The Cannon Balls are the three rounded peaks running from center left to center of the photo, in front of Cannon Mountain. The highest Cannon Ball is closest to Cannon Mountain. Mount Lafayette is on the right.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,769 feet (1,149 m) |
| Prominence | 190 feet (58 m) |
| Listing | #100 N.E. Hundred Highest |
| Geography | |
| Location | Grafton County, New Hampshire |
| Parent range | Kinsman Range |
| Topo map | USGS Franconia |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | hiking trail |
The Cannon Balls is a group of three mountain peaks in Grafton County, New Hampshire. These peaks are part of the Kinsman Range, which is a smaller part of the larger White Mountains.
The three peaks of The Cannon Balls have different heights. From west to east, their elevations are about 3,693 feet, 3,660 feet, and 3,769 feet. That's about 1,125, 1,115, and 1,148 meters.
The name "Cannon Balls" comes from a nearby mountain called Cannon Mountain. If you look at Cannon Mountain from its base, some large rocks on it look like old-fashioned cannonballs. The Cannon Balls peaks are next to Cannon Mountain on their northeast side. To their southwest is Kinsman Mountain.
Where the Water Flows
The water that falls on the south side of The Cannon Balls flows into Cascade Brook. From there, it joins the Pemigewasset River and then the Merrimack River. Eventually, this water reaches the Gulf of Maine in Massachusetts.
Water from the north side of The Cannon Balls takes a different path. It flows into Coppermine Brook. This brook then joins the Ham Branch of the Gale River, which flows into the Gale River itself. After that, the water goes into the Ammonoosuc River, then the Connecticut River, and finally into Long Island Sound in Connecticut.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The famous Appalachian Trail passes near The Cannon Balls. This trail is a very long hiking path, about 2,170 miles (3,490 kilometers) long. It stretches all the way from Georgia to Maine.
The Appalachian Trail runs along the southern base of The Cannon Balls. It goes between North Kinsman and an area called Franconia Notch. Many hikers enjoy this part of the trail for its beautiful mountain views.
