Orange Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

At the summit of Mt. Cardigan. A 3121 ft peak in Central New Hampshire.   A moderate hike of 1.5 miles from the parking lot on the western side of the mountain. Stunning 360 degree views off of the granite, treeless summit make this an outstanding short day hike for families. It can be warm hiking up, and quite cooler with a lot a wind at the top.
At the summit of Mt. Cardigan. A 3121 ft peak in Central New Hampshire.   A moderate hike of 1.5 miles from the parking lot on the western side of the mountain. Stunning 360 degree views off of the granite, treeless summit make this an outstanding short day hike for families. It can be warm hiking up, and quite cooler with a lot a wind at the top.
With a tip of the hat to @StellaKristjánsdóttir here is Bella on her way up to the summit.  Mount Cardigan, located in the Lakes Region of Central New Hampshire is one of the best places to be, with its 360-degree views and open ridge walks.

On the east side of the mountain, start your hike at the Appalacian Mountian Club’s Cardigan Lodge.

This trip utilizes the following three trails: Holt, Cathedral Forest, and Clark trails. While on the Holt trail, you will cross over Bailey Brook, a tempting but chilly swimming hole. 

Once at the summit, climb the fire tower and say hello to the warden if the tower is staffed. To the east one can see all the way to Lake Winnipesaukee and the Osippee and Belknap Mountains, and on a particularly clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Chocorua. To the west, you can look into Vermont’s rolling hills. To the north you can just begin to see the White Mountains, when the skies are clear.

The hike is of moderate level.  Total mileage one way is 2.6 miles with a hiking time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

This is an excellent hike for first-time hikers and families and an enjoyable track for those of all ability levels.
    
The trail is steepest as you near the summit, traversing open granite slabs for the final 500ft from the Warden’s Cabin to the fire tower.
Great hike
Even though Mount Cardigan's summit is technically not above treeline, it is bald and offers spectacular views in all directions.

#hiking
Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

2.5 out of 5
25 Airport Road West Lebanon NH
The price is Rp2.358.439 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
Rp2.358.439
Rp2.558.906 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Lebanon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
The entire facility was clean, friendly. Great amenities, including a warm and cozy fire in the beautiful fireplace on a below zero night. I will return!

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon
Hanover Inn Dartmouth

Hanover Inn Dartmouth

4 out of 5
Two East Wheelock Street Hanover NH
The price is Rp3.813.986 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
Rp3.813.986
Rp4.138.187 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Hanover. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (912 reviews)
Friendly. Clean, good location

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Hanover Inn Dartmouth
Steele Hill Resorts

Steele Hill Resorts

3 out of 5
516 Steele Hill Road Sanbornton NH
The price is Rp3.172.554 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
Rp3.172.554
Rp3.442.305 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Sanbornton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (758 reviews)
The room was ok odd lay out with the bath room sinks in the main area not the bath room The pool area is really nice not to much for adults but it is great for kids The hotel is really set up well for families That being said you have to be ready for yelling screaming jumping running banging slamming, ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Steele Hill Resorts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cold Spring Plymouth Resort

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort

3.5 out of 5
460 North Ashland Road Ashland NH
Stay at this ski holiday home in Ashland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a golf course and a fitness centre. Popular attractions The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance ...
9/10 Wonderful! (178 reviews)
Everything was how it should be. Nice place, no complaints.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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