Mt. Cardigan - New Hampshire - April 14, 2011 Hike Trip Report

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Trail Conditions

Trip Log

About

Mt. Cardigan
Alexandria, NH, Orange, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.

Looking up the Clark Trail

Route: Holt Trail, Holt-Clark Cutoff, Clark Trail, (Mt. Cardigan), Clark Trail, Holt-Clark Cutoff, Holt Trail

While I was expecting to at least start the hike on bare ground, I was in snowshoes within 100 feet of the parking lot. The Holt Trail to Grand Junction was still fully covered. The Holt-Clark Cutoff had some bare spots, however as it neared a softwood stand, it once again filled in with snow.

Eventually reaching the fire warden's cabin, I ditched my snowshoes and made my way up the exposed ledges in somewhat windy conditions with rain clouds threatening in the distance. Nonetheless, there were excellent views of the Lakes Region.

Hike Ratings
Getting To Trailhead:	Easy
Destination:	Mt. Cardigan
Length:	Moderate
Steepness:	Difficult
Navigation:	Easy
Views:	Excellent
Crowds:	Minimal

Hike Stats
Date Hiked:	Thursday, April 14, 2011
Parking Elevation:	1,392'
Destination:	Mt. Cardigan
Time Elapsed:	01:20
Trailhead Elevation:	1,392'
Summit Elevation:	3,155'
Distance:	2.6 miles
Vertical Gain:	1,850'

Hike Time Elapsed:	02:42
Hike Distance:	5.2 miles
Hike Vertical Gain:	1,940'

The Holt Trail trailhead

Ragged Mountain and Mt. Kearsarge as seen from near the summit of Mt. Cardigan

Directions to trailhead: From Bristol, take Route 3A North briefly, then take a left onto Bristol Hill Road. Eventually bear left onto Plummer Hill Road, then take a left onto Thissell Road, then take a right onto Town Pond Road. Town Pond Road eventually joins Mt. Cardigan Road. Mt. Cardigan Road becomes Shem Valley Road at a sharp turn - go straight on it. Parking is located across from the AMC facility. One can also find the AMC Lodge with more ease from Alexandria by following the AMC Lodge signs.

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