Signal Ridge Trail to Mount Carrigain is a 10.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Campton, New Hampshire that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Dog friendly
Hiking
Snowshoeing
Forest
Views
Wild flowers
Wildlife
Snow
NOTE: Sawyer River Road is closed during the winter. You can still hike this trail, but you must park on 302 and hike to the trailhead, adding 2 miles each way to the hike. Though this peak is heavily wooded, there is a great section of exposed ridge near the top and an observation tower that offers a 360 degree view. Trekking poles and spikes are recommended.
There is a $3 fee to park here.
The trailhead is found two miles down Sawyer River Road off of 302 which is south of Crawford Notch.
August 4, 2020The first 3 miles would be considered “easy” in my opinion while the remainder of the hike is closer to “hard”— I guess that makes this moderate but it felt harder than moderate. 11.1 miles on my Apple Watch and 5.5 hours of total hiking time. Good views from the false peak before you get to the real one. The observation tower at the top, at least when it’s very windy like it was during our hike, is rather scary to climb up to but definitely nice views from there.
August 2, 2020MT CARRIGAIN - Signal Ridge trail. About a half mile or so passed the junction (assuming you are hiking up... and after a bend and set of quick switchbacks) there is a volleyball-sized bee hive hanging from a small tree about knee height. It’s only about a foot from the trail on the right side. It’s a very active hive. Please be aware of it and don’t disturb it. (although inevitably someone will). i should have taken a picture but my hiking partner and my dog got stung so we hurried away... it’s very active! bee respectful!
August 1, 2020one of the best views
July 31, 2020July 30, 2020July 25, 2020July 25, 2020The first 2 miles of this hike are a piece of cake. The next 3 miles have some steep sections and some rocky spots, but overall the hike is relatively moderate when compared to some other mountains. The views are spectacular at the false peek below the top as well as at the summit. Definitely worth the hike!
July 22, 2020July 22: road to signal ride trail is closed
July 19, 2020July 19, 2020Top 3 Summits in the Whites. Flat to moderate incline for first 2 miles, then a steady switch back trail to just short of the summit. From there, just a short moderately steep incline to base of tower. Views from the tower are as good as it gets. 360 degrees of wilderness and mountains. I venture to guess you can see at least 40 of the 48 NH4ks from tower.
July 18, 2020Glorious day to be in the Whites and hiking Mt Carrigain. Some mud in spots, but not too bad. Water crossings were fine. Amazing clear day with 360 views. Very busy on the trail for this 10 mlle out and back. I wore my mask quite a bit.
July 18, 2020July 18, 2020Taking the loop from Carrigain notch to desolation added considerable distance, but made a wonderful and more complete hike in the long run. Once you hit desolation, the hike gets very serious very quickly, and the steep ascent will challenge the most avid hiker. The last quarter of a mile push at the end of desolation is a real challenge, and the summit literally appears out of nowhere!Views from the top are by far some of the best I’ve ever seen. Trail maintenance was pretty good, some slight overgrowth here in there, and a ton of bugs along the way. Very muddy parts as well meet for some slippery rocks.
July 16, 2020trail is in good shape and relatively easy. hardly any mud and water crossings are doable without getting wet. few swimming spots as well. socked in today but the views here are unreal.
July 10, 2020Nice hike lower half a walk in the park the last three miles yes moderate but very rough like a dry river bed the last three plus miles by the time you get back your legs, ankles and feet are pretty beat up! No bugs at the top but challenging on the way up sprayed myself three times with Ben's and a head net and still pestering me. Suggestion bring a pair of swim trunks take a drip just prior to arriving back.
July 9, 2020First two miles are a breeze, then you cross a river and it’s uphill from there. Not a specifically difficult trail, just long - 3 miles of incline. Definitely watch where you’re going.. lots of little paths off the trail blocked off with logs. Start early! I started at 7am with little to no bugs, by 9-10 we reapplied bug spray. Brought my dog with me and he did great!
July 8, 2020Great views from the top and Signal Ridge make the trek up worth while. The first 2.5 miles was relatively flat and easy. Most of the 3,500 feet of elevation gain occurs in the 2nd 2.5 to 3 miles to the summit, making this stretch a bit difficult. Lots of mosquitoes at the lower elevations and black & deer flies at upper elevations. Bug spray is a must. I would definitely do this one again.
July 5, 2020Hiked 6-5-20. Very very buggy. Bring lots of bug spray and/or long sleeves. First 2.5 miles flat with some water crossings. Water levels were low. Easy to cross. Gradual hike for rest of the 2.5ish miles. Was very hot and I’d advise sun screen as well. The summit was buggy, but the views were great and well worth it. 10+ miles of hiking - very gradual. Moderate hike, but 10 miles is 10 miles...
