Orange, NH

Travel 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
Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

2.5 out of 5
25 Airport Road West Lebanon NH
The price is ₩207,803 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
₩207,803
₩225,467 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Lebanon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
I loved walking into the place, fire going, beautiful Koi in the water and the welcoming bar/restaurant. The pool/hot tub area was amazing. But....when I opened the door to the room, it smelled like wet dog, little disappointing.

Reviewed on Feb 27, 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 ₩164,190 per night from Mar 11 to Mar 12
₩164,190
₩180,609 total
Mar 11 - Mar 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in White River Junction. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
THe room was great, bed was very comfie. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was delicious.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in White River Junction. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Very nice room.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 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
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Ashland. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and a fitness center. Popular attractions The Flying Monkey Movie House and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (191 reviews)
Clean, large room, feel like living in my home

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort
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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