What a fun hike! 13 participants....all had a grand time. Micros the whole way. Warmer than expected and less wind than anticipated. FUN!!!

Just getting to the trailhead for this one was an adventure!  The AMC lodge at the trailhead is miles away from the main road.  Eventually we arrived at the lodge where there were a few other hikers anxious to try hiking in the AMC Cardigan Reservation and the associated NH State Park.

Mt. Cardigan is 3115'.  It's in central New Hampshire west of I-93.  In the area there are two other peaks - Firescrew (3060') and Orange Mtn./Mt. Gilman (2684').  In addition to hiking trails, there are ski trails, which the AMC lodge services in the winter.

We had 13 GO members on this trip. We all carpooled to the AMC lodge except for Todd, Craig, Dan and John. We got our gear together and set out.

We took a loop from the AMC lodge up the Manning Trail to Firescrew, over the Mowglis Trail to Cardigan, then down the Clark Trail to the Holt-Clark Trail and back to the lodge.  The trails are wonderful.  Yes it was icy, but you do get a bit of a respite now and then.

Near the top of Firescrew we had lunch and then took off for Cardigan along the Mowglis Trail.

It isn't too long of a hike from Firescrew to Cardigan...

…as we progressed the clouds broke up and the wind was really kicking up.

We did not stay very long at the summit of Mt. Cardigan.

We found our way to the Clark Trail, but getting down off the summit of Cardigan is tricky because it's steep exposed rock.

It's a good thing most of it was bare rock but there were sections that the footing was very slippery!

Our journey down sent us from the Clark to the Clark-Holt Cut-Off trail and on out.  Along the way we passed a large group of boy scouts [about 15] who were going up to stay at the AMC High Cabin.  That place was going to be busy!

Although somewhat challenging to get to, the Firescrew/Cardigan hike is a decent winter hike that's not overly taxing but offers nice views.  The Clark Trail is the one recommended more for beginners, with the Holt Trail being the nasty trail (reportedly very steep in sections by Todd and Craig).  We did a moderate loop that I look forward to doing again.

>>CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW WITH MUSIC! 

Trip Report by Mike Boisvert
Pictures by Jon Normand

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!