Although not very high by White Mountain standards, Cannon Mountain is one of the most notable and interesting mountains in the northeastern United States.
For almost 200 years it was best known for as the site of the "Old Man of the Mountain", a series of rock ledges that resembled a jagged profile of a man's face. This formation became the state symbol of New Hampshire, used on highway signs, license plates, and the commemerative state quarter coin. But the fragile ledges collapsed on May, 3, 2003 after a freeze cycle, ending decades of effort to keep them bolted to the mountain.
Even though the "Old Man" was the most famous of the mountain's rocky features, it's name comes from another one: a pile of boulders on it's crest that looks like a cannon pointed at the sky.
The mountain is also a recreational mecca. The sheer cliffs on the peak's east side offer some of the best rock-climbing on the east coast, and a major ski area uses the north side of the peak. The ski area's aerial tramway runs year-round, offering scenic views for tourists. And, of course, several hiking trails climb the slopes of Cannon to the broad summit area. | 