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About


Mt. Cardigan
Orange, NH

Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the West Ridge Trail after sunset
Looking down the West Ridge Trail after sunset

Route: Access road, West Ridge Trail

Gated access road walk is very choppy due to barebooters chewing it up when temperatures were warmer. My ankles are sore as a result of having to walk on this mess.

West Ridge Trail up to the bridge is generally in the early stages of a firm frozen granular/ice monorail. There are a few blue ice bulges, but they were generally avoidable. I wore small snowshoes for traction, but it could be Microspiked until temperatures climb again. Still 1-2 feet of snowpack.

The scrubby traverse section is still fully covered with snowpack. When the trail turns and starts climbing the ledges, the snowpack quickly becomes patchy. Once the trail emerges into the open, one can walk on dry ledge all the way to the tower.


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


Hike Stats
Date Hiked: Sunday, April 5, 2015
Parking Elevation: 1,662'
Time to Trailhead: 00:11
Destination: Mt. Cardigan
Time Elapsed: 00:32
Trailhead Elevation: 1,760'
Summit Elevation: 3,155'
Distance: 1.5 miles
Vertical Gain: 1,430'
Hike Time Elapsed: 01:37
Hike Vertical Gain: 1,603'


The West Ridge Trail trailhead
The West Ridge Trail trailhead

The sunset as seen from Mt. Cardigan - Click to enlarge
The sunset as seen from Mt. Cardigan

The sunset as seen from Mt. Cardigan - Click to enlarge
The sunset as seen from Mt. Cardigan

Directions to trailhead: Take Burnt Hill Road up to the green Cardigan Mtn post next to the access road gate. If access road is closed, park across the road from the gate; otherwise, there is parking at the picnic area.

Back to Mt. Cardigan Profile




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