Mount Cardigan via West Ridge Trail is a 2.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Canaan, New Hampshire that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/cardigan-mountain-state-park
February 25, 2021February 21, 2021Snow well packed, icy and exposed at the summit
February 14, 2021spikes are a good idea
February 7, 2021Road is closed to the trailhead so you need to hike in a bit to get there but it’s pretty flat. West ridge trail was packed down nicely and I never even put on my spikes. Beautiful 360 views all to myself at the summit.
January 18, 2021A nice winter hike! There was a bit more snow below tree line than expected yesterday but micro spikes were enough. VERY windy and cloudy at the top but the few views we got were beautiful. Road to the trailhead is closed which adds about a mile RT.
January 18, 2021Great!
January 12, 2021Packed well, didn't need spikes, poles came in handy though. Beautiful, windy, cold view from summit today. Great trail for someone new to winter hiking or for a quick romp in the woods.
January 6, 2021today it was cold and windy with no visibility, but enjoyed being out on the trail. the trail is very well marked.
December 28, 2020Bring micro spikes. Otherwise amazing!!
December 6, 2020Good condition, with snow and ice about .5 mile from the top. Spikes and winter gear suggested!
November 27, 2020November 21, 2020Didnt get to see grotto cave?
November 10, 2020The conditions were great, only slightly muddy in a couple of short sections. The gate to the park was closed, which added on an easy ~.75-1 mile. It was very busy considering it was late on a Tuesday afternoon, with about a dozen cars parked when we arrived.
November 8, 2020Great day, all the ice from last weekend is gone. No spikes needed
November 8, 2020Amazing views for relatively low effort. It can get rocky towards the top so make sure to have shoes w good traction. Overall very enjoyable hike and completed within a couple hours. Weather was warm this weekend so no snow/ice was observed, just a bit muddy in some spots.
November 8, 2020Heavily trafficked but well marked trail. We had a beautiful morning passing friendly hikers and dogs. The views were breathtaking, so was the wind.
October 31, 2020Awesome, bring micros
October 26, 2020Moderate, well-marked trail made for an enjoyable hike on Saturday - despite the rain, wind, and fog. The summit was in the clouds, making for an eerie but awesome experience.
October 24, 2020Fairly easy trail, but wet and muddy at times with some slabs near the summit. No visibility at the summit as we were in the thick cloud ceiling. Maybe 50F and very windy. 1.3 hours moving time round trip.
October 24, 2020Like a mini Mount Mansfield. Weather rolled in as moved to the exposed rock along the upper part. Not the foliage expected, but almost a mystical experience. True October.
October 24, 2020October 24, 2020October 22, 2020October 20, 2020Super foggy but gorgeous short hike. Well marked. Hardly anyone out on the trail.
October 18, 2020The recent snow has made the trail quite slushy in places and wet in others. I recommend wearing shoes with trustworthy treads and you’ll have a good time. Foliage is still popping and and views of the snowy Whites are a delight.
October 18, 2020Our first hike up Cardigan Mt via the West Ridge Loop was a winner. The steepness is moderate yet easy going. The granite slabs were not slippery despite being wet. The trails were muddy in places and there is snow on the mountain. The 360 views at the top are spectacular! Many hikers with dogs; family friendly. Popular mountain yet plenty of room to keep socially distant. A+
October 18, 2020Amazing views, especially for sunrise. But be careful of the black ice near the top. Also a bit muddy due to the recent rain and snow.
October 17, 2020
