Signal Ridge Trail to Mount Carrigain is a 10.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Bartlett, 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.
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/whitemountain/home/?cid=stelprdb5183538 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.
2-21-21 mt. Carrigain- Sawyer River closed for winter, adding another 4 miles to hike (round trip). trail is nicely packed, and the 2 river crossing snow bridges. Great hike with outstanding views on the ridge.
Park off 302 into parking lot next to Sawyer River Road gate. You will need to hike 2 miles on Sawyer River Road to get to the trailhead (adding 4 total miles to your hike). The hike to Carrigain starts flat and easy, however becomes very steep and strenuous about 2 miles from the summit. Trail was great and offers some great views up to Carrigain (watchtower on the summit is a big plus as well - offering stunning 360 views). As of 1/19/21 snowshoes are a must, and poles were a huge help.
Was hoping to get this hike in for my December Grid before they closed the road and just did! The gate closed after I started my hike and had to let myself out and close the gate behind me. The next hike here will be 14+ miles rather than 10+. Trail conditions a mix of rocks, a little mud, ice and snow. I could have gotten away with nanospikes but didn't bring them. Instead I hiked up in bare boots stepping carefully to avoid the ice and put on microspikes for the descent until the end of the long sidehill straight away. But the snow we got should cover most of the ground now so guessing microspikes for the whole trail now. Carrigain is always a good hike and Friday was no exception!
Great hike easy up until the ice. Wicked icy but good on. No views but great day!
Flat, easy first 2.5 miles. Took the short bypass depicted on AllTrails map. Brook crossings were easy, some mud. Moderate steady climb to the summit for the last 2.5 miles with small boulders, and very few step ups. Phenomenal views on the ridge before the last short climb to the summit. Microspikes were a must for the last 2 miles up. Snow squalls on top and intermittent visibility. An enjoyable hike. 5 hours total time, 4:30 moving time. 10 miles.
So windy and cold up there but it has gorgeous panoramic view.
Hiked Carrigain yesterday and the weather was awesome. My two nitpicks about the trail is that there weren’t many blazes (I remember seeing only one) and the trail was super muddy and my dog had way too much fun in it. Other than that, it was a perfect hike. Didn’t climb the tower due to a lack of social distancing and my dog doesn’t love close quarters with strangers, so we had lunch on the ridge instead!