Orange Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

At the summit of Mt. Cardigan. A 3121 ft peak in Central New Hampshire.   A moderate hike of 1.5 miles from the parking lot on the western side of the mountain. Stunning 360 degree views off of the granite, treeless summit make this an outstanding short day hike for families. It can be warm hiking up, and quite cooler with a lot a wind at the top.
At the summit of Mt. Cardigan. A 3121 ft peak in Central New Hampshire.   A moderate hike of 1.5 miles from the parking lot on the western side of the mountain. Stunning 360 degree views off of the granite, treeless summit make this an outstanding short day hike for families. It can be warm hiking up, and quite cooler with a lot a wind at the top.
With a tip of the hat to @StellaKristjánsdóttir here is Bella on her way up to the summit.  Mount Cardigan, located in the Lakes Region of Central New Hampshire is one of the best places to be, with its 360-degree views and open ridge walks.

On the east side of the mountain, start your hike at the Appalacian Mountian Club’s Cardigan Lodge.

This trip utilizes the following three trails: Holt, Cathedral Forest, and Clark trails. While on the Holt trail, you will cross over Bailey Brook, a tempting but chilly swimming hole. 

Once at the summit, climb the fire tower and say hello to the warden if the tower is staffed. To the east one can see all the way to Lake Winnipesaukee and the Osippee and Belknap Mountains, and on a particularly clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Chocorua. To the west, you can look into Vermont’s rolling hills. To the north you can just begin to see the White Mountains, when the skies are clear.

The hike is of moderate level.  Total mileage one way is 2.6 miles with a hiking time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

This is an excellent hike for first-time hikers and families and an enjoyable track for those of all ability levels.
    
The trail is steepest as you near the summit, traversing open granite slabs for the final 500ft from the Warden’s Cabin to the fire tower.
Great hike
Even though Mount Cardigan's summit is technically not above treeline, it is bald and offers spectacular views in all directions.

#hiking

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Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

2.5 out of 5
25 Airport Road West Lebanon NH
The price is AU$221 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$221
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Lebanon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Bummed to find out the hot tub was not in service for our stay but other than that it was good.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites White River Junction by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites White River Junction by IHG

2.5 out of 5
121 Ballardvale Dr White River Junction VT
The price is AU$173 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$173
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in White River Junction. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
The rooms were clean. We used a handicap room. It met our needs. A good breakwas available too

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites White River Junction by IHG
White River Inn and Suites

White River Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
91 Ballardvale Drive White River Junction VT
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in White River Junction. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
The staff was very nice, the breakfast was go

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

White River Inn and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cold Spring Plymouth Resort

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort

3.5 out of 5
460 North Ashland Road Ashland NH
Stay at this ski holiday home in Ashland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a golf course and a fitness centre. Popular attractions The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (187 reviews)
While the condos/rooms are a bit outdated and are basic, they were very clean and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Every staff member we interacted with provided great customer service. The beds could use with an update. That said, we would definitely consider staying again as there ...

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort
White Mountain Cozy Cottage with Touch of Modern

White Mountain Cozy Cottage with Touch of Modern

Campton NH
Stay at this cottage in Campton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blair Bridge and Blair State Forest are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
It was infested with bugs mostly ladybugs everywhere dead and alive. I even found a dead ladybug in my bed. It’s was nasty other than that it was ok but the bugs everywhere was quite uncomfortable!

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

White Mountain Cozy Cottage with Touch of Modern
White Mountain Riverside lean to/tent site

White Mountain Riverside lean to/tent site

Warren NH
Stay at this cabin in Warren. Popular attractions Warren Common and Davis-White State Forest are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Amazing spot! If you're outdoorsy, looking for camp vibes without the hassle of setting up a tent this is for you. Eric was easy to comunicate with and very helpful. Hanging out right on the river was why we went and we were not disappointed. Rock hopping like kids it was a blast.

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

White Mountain Riverside lean to/tent site
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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