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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White River Inn and Suites

White River Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
91 Ballardvale Drive White River Junction VT
The price is NZ$236 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
NZ$236
27 Feb - 28 Feb
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 helpful staff and the ...
6.8/10 (1,002 reviews)
Everything was very good

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

White River Inn and Suites
Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

2.5 out of 5
25 Airport Road West Lebanon NH
The price is NZ$245 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
NZ$245
3 Mar - 4 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! (1,001 reviews)
Environment, upgraded room and food

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon
The Common Man Inn & Spa

The Common Man Inn & Spa

4 out of 5
231 Main St Plymouth NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$218 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
NZ$218
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly inn in Plymouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (400 reviews)
I love this place! Second time I have stayed there this winter. I wanted to change my room and the person who I spoke to was very accommodating. We had a great dinner and the morning breakfast was excellent. Also, the shower pressure was perfect! I'll definitely be be back.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

The Common Man Inn & Spa
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (184 reviews)
Clean rooms, could definitely use updating. The pool and hot tub were older, but everything was clean. Staff and location were great. Wish there were more options for games such as cards or family board games. Mostly just puzzles available.

Reviewed on 13 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
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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