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 NT$4,437 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
NT$4,437
NT$4,815 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
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! (1,003 reviews)
clean room very friendly staff, great breakfast

Reviewed on 2026/2/2

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon
Hanover Inn Dartmouth

Hanover Inn Dartmouth

4 out of 5
Two East Wheelock Street Hanover NH
The price is NT$7,144 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
NT$7,144
NT$7,751 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Hanover. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (913 reviews)
The room was very comfortable, I got room service twice and it came quickly and the servers were very helpful (I was nursing an injured leg). Front desk and valet were equally wonderful.

Reviewed on 2026/1/31

Hanover Inn Dartmouth
Steele Hill Resorts

Steele Hill Resorts

3 out of 5
516 Steele Hill Road Sanbornton NH
The price is NT$5,947 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
NT$5,947
NT$6,453 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sanbornton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (760 reviews)
Very pretty place to stay my family enjoyed it, could use some deep cleaning & more dining space to accommodate resort guests & breakfast before 830.

Reviewed on 2026/2/1

Steele Hill Resorts
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (178 reviews)
Everything was how it should be. Nice place, no complaints.

Reviewed on 2026/1/25

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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