Our very first winter hike in January is devoted to those who are learning winter hiking. We'll help you gear up and share with you tips before you get started! We might have extra gear to loan you as well so don't by shy...contact us and we'll do what we can to help you get started!

Although Mount Cardigan’s elevation is only 3,155 feet, it gives hikers a feeling they are much higher due to the huge areas of bare granite rock with some alpine growth. The summit has a fire tower and amazing 360° views!

This is a loop hike starting from Cardigan Lodge. We will take the Manning Trail to the summit of Firescrew [3064’] and then the Mowglis Trail to the summit of Mount Cardigan [3155’].  We will return on the Holt and Clark Trails to Cardigan Lodge. Above treeline winter hiking on Firescrew and Cardigan, views in all directions!

Distance:      5.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1950 feet

What to wear/bring: Wear warm clothing suitable for the hike in layers...no cotton or blue jeans.  Wear a warm hat and gloves and bring hand warmers as a precaution. Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike. Make sure your pack is big enough to place your jacket and excess clothing into it as you warm up. For footwear, have winter insulated boots and MicroSpikes in case we encounter icy trails. We may need snowshoes if we had a snowstorm just prior to the hike…we’ll let you know a few days before. Contact us if you have any questions. 

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax by our fireplace [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH. It's $35 for Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Carpooling: It's not the easiest place to find so if you prefer, meet us at off Exit 23 [Meredith/New Hampton] exit for 10:20AM at the Park 'N Ride [right of the exit on Route 104 East] to carpool. We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.

GPS: Or  most GPS systems will get you there if you type in 774 Shem Valley Road, Alexandria, NH. Or perhaps get driving directions from the web yourself.....mapquest, etc. 

And as a last resort directions to Cardigan Lodge from I-93:

Take exit 23 for NH-104/NH-132 toward Meredith/New Hampton 
Turn left onto NH-104 W/NH-132 S Continue to follow NH-132 S for 0.9 miles 
Continue onto NH-104 W for 4.7 miles

Slight right onto Pleasant St for 0.2 miles 
Continue onto Lake St for 0.4 miles 
Turn left onto Bristol Hill Rd for 1.1 miles 
Slight left onto Plumer Hill Rd for .08 miles 
Turn left to stay on Plumer Hill Rd for .04 miles 
Take the 1st right onto Town Pound Rd for 0.7 miles 
Continue onto Washburn Rd for 0.2 miles 
Slight right onto Mt Cardigan Rd for 3.6 miles 
Continue onto Shem Valley Rd for 1.4 miles 
Cardigan lodge will be @ the end of the road