Orange

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
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! (1,001 reviews)
Everything was nice

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

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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 RM569 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM569
RM617 total
1 Mar - 2 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! (1,004 reviews)
Last night was the worst hotel experience I have ever had - I am not exaggerating. After staying at the Fireside inn in West Leb 2-3 nights a month for the last several months, I will not be returning. I have never been as insulted as I was by their front desk staff person as I was last night. This ...

Reviewed on 18 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
The price is RM472 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
RM472
RM512 total
22 Mar - 23 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! (401 reviews)
We went to the common man Inn & spa and they said we weren’t booked there but had to drive down the street to the lodge . Very inconveint.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

The Common Man Inn & Spa
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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! (185 reviews)
Clean and comfortable rooms, friendly staff

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort
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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

Canaan Motor Club

You can take time to visit Canaan Motor Club during your travels to Canaan.

Canaan Motor Club

Goose Pond Park Beach

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

Goose Pond Park Beach