Canaan

Travel 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.
Align Inn Vermont

Align Inn Vermont

2.5 out of 5
5817 Woodstock Rd Quechee VT
The price is RM422 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
RM422
RM464 total
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 (1,002 reviews)
Great location.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

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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 RM548 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
RM548
RM595 total
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! (1,006 reviews)
Environment, upgraded room and food

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon
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! (183 reviews)
Always a really comfortable stay. Easy check in and check out. Quiet and convenient.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 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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