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About


Mt. Carrigain
Livermore, NH

Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
The Signal Ridge Trail
The Signal Ridge Trail

Route: Sawyer River Road, Signal Ridge Trail, bushwhack, (Mt. Carrigain), Signal Ridge Trail, Sawyer River Road, herdpath

With nice weather but somewhat high winds, we headed to Carrigain. Starting on the closed Sawyer River Road, we decided to practice pulling a sled for the roadwalk. While it didn't seem to be much of a time or energy saver for the ascent, it was nice to descend the road without having packs on our backs.

Starting on the Signal Ridge Trail, snow coverage was minimal in the lower elevations. The first set of crossings was ice bridged (not overly solid), while the second crossing was wide open (as usual).

Eventually reaching the switchbacks with direct sunlight, our progress was slowed due to snow sticking on our snowshoes. Nonetheless, we eventually reached Signal Ridge, from where we had strong views.

Continuing up to the summit and fire tower, there were excellent views in all directions, ranging to perhaps 100 miles.

After an extended lunch break in seasonally mild temperatures, we made our way back down to the base in the springlike trail conditions.


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


Hike Stats
Date Hiked: Thursday, December 30, 2010
Hike Commenced: 8:09 AM
Parking Elevation: 900'
Destination: Mt. Carrigain
Ascent Commenced: 9:04 AM
Summit Reached: 12:37 PM
Time Elapsed: 03:33
Trailhead Elevation: 1,370'
Summit Elevation: 4,700'
Vertical Gain: 3,440'
Hike Ended: 4:42 PM
Hike Time Elapsed: 08:33
Hike Vertical Gain: 4,040'


Signal Ridge Trail trailhead on Sawyer River Road
Signal Ridge Trail trailhead on Sawyer River Road

Looking at the Franconia Ridge from the Mt. Carrigain summit lookout tower - Click to enlarge
Looking at the Franconia Ridge from the Mt. Carrigain summit lookout tower




Directions to trailhead: Take Route 302 West from Bartlett to Sawyer River Road. In winter, there is a WMNF fee parking lot located to the left of the closed Sawyer River Road. The Signal Ridge Trail is 2 miles up Sawyer River Road, on the right.

Back to Mt. Carrigain Profile




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