GET FIT HIKE #4: Mt. Cardigan

This is the mountain everyone should have ticked off their list at some point. It’s on the 52 with a view list (as are many other fine peaks) so that’s as good an excuse as anyone needs, right? Right!

Started at 9:30 from the AMC Cardigan Lodge. There were eight of us. Down in the trees, it was a delightful spring hike. Wildflowers, spring green leaves above us! Plenty of painted trillium and a few purple trilliums. Saw bunches of trout lilies that faded due to the recent frost. The approach was fairly easy.

As the trail pitched upward, a bit more strenuous, we had some light scrambling. Approaching tree line, the trees were thinning out, and ledgy rock was starting to take over. Above tree line, breezy and it was constant.  

The trail zigzagged more steeply to three ledges with picturesque views. It was a cloudy day that impeded some of the views we would normally have. Our destination, Mt. Cardigan was visible periodically during the hike and sometimes hidden by clouds. The final ledges were the largest and steepest for the steep climb to the windswept Firescrew summit where we took a group pic. Devoid of substantial growth, this level summit instills an enjoyable top-of-the-world feeling!

We then made our way up Mt. Cardigan. It was very windy on the summit so we did not linger for very long; there was a large group on the summit besides ours. We had lunch at the Fire Warden’s Cabin to get out of the wind. We knew that rain was forecasted so we did not linger too long for lunch. We took the Clark Trail to descend.

It was interesting that this side of the mountain the trees at this elevation were just beginning to leaf out. We made good time for the descent pausing at a gorgeous cascade at a bridge crossing. We saw the work of a busy woodpecker on one tree! The leaves on the trees are so green right now!

We got back down just as it started to shower. Made it! After the hike, a few returned back to our house to soak in the hot tub and relax in the living room. Jon cooked up another stellar meal of roasted vegetables, marinaded chicken breasts, pesto pasta and garden salad.   

It’s a nice, fun little mountain. Overall, we enjoyed every bit of the enchantment that we would have normally found on bigger peaks! Always great to hike with a fun group of friends.

~ Mike and Jon

Thinking of getting in shape for a hike in the Whites, here is your opportunity to participate in a series of 4 hikes that will get progressively get harder!

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 Clark and Clark-Holt Cut Off Trails back to Cardigan Lodge. Above treeline hiking on Firescrew and Cardigan, views in all directions!

Bring water and lunch; along with what you normally carry for a day hike.

Round trip distance: 6.0 miles

Elevation gain: 1,920 feet 

Join us for a hike in the great outdoors for some fresh air and some much needed camaraderie!  

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax on our deck with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [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 for Friday and/or Saturday night. The cost is $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner [$60 for the weekend]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!