Canaan Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Soft Sunrise Over a Tranquil Lake in New Hampshire
Soft Sunrise Over a Tranquil Lake in New Hampshire
Golden Sunrise on Lake with Lifeguard Chair
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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now
Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Orange NH
Stay at this cabin in Canaan. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sudrabin Forest and Cardigan Mountain State Park are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
Everything was great. Such a gorgeous and cozy little cabin. Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Get rates
Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all
Align Inn Vermont

Align Inn Vermont

2.5 out of 5
5817 Woodstock Rd Quechee VT
The price is NZ$197 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$197
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Quechee. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,104 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Align Inn Vermont
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 ...
6.8/10 (1,005 reviews)
Everything was very good

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Get rates
White River Inn and Suites
See all 1,136 properties in Canaan
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.
Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Orange NH
Stay at this cabin in Canaan. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sudrabin Forest and Cardigan Mountain State Park are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
Everything was great. Such a gorgeous and cozy little cabin. Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (182 reviews)
Plenty of space. Unit is dated but clean and comfortable. Indoor pool, hot tub and sauna is a perfect way to wrap up a day on the slopes!

Reviewed on 7 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! (51 reviews)
The cottage was perfect for our long weekend getaway. It was more spacious than expected and convenient location. The host is very responsive and accommodating. Would stay again!

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

White Mountain Cozy Cottage with Touch of Modern
See all properties in Canaan
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.

Popular places to visit

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.

Cardigan Mountain State Park

You can take time to visit Cardigan Mountain State Park during your travels to Orange. Wander the parks or discover the area's mountain views.

Cardigan Mountain State Park

Cardigan Mountain School

Explore the campus of Cardigan Mountain School during your visit to Canaan.

Cardigan Mountain School

Goose Pond Park

After visiting Goose Pond Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Canaan.

Goose Pond Park

Mascoma State Forest

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mascoma State Forest during your travels in Canaan.

Mascoma State Forest

Goose Pond Park Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Goose Pond Park Beach during your trip to Canaan?

Goose Pond Park Beach

Canaan Historical Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Canaan Historical Museum in Canaan.

Canaan Historical Museum

Cities near Canaan

Aerial view of Rainbow over Stinson Lake in White Mountain National Forest in summer in town of Rumney, Grafton County, New Hampshire NH, USA.

Rumney

An early morning ride to this geological wonder of nature shows how over the millions of years water cuts through rock.

Groton