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

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Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

2.5 out of 5
25 Airport Road West Lebanon NH
The price is SAR 539 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
SAR 539
SAR 585 total
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (1,009 reviews)
I loved it and booked another night

Reviewed on 7 March 2026

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites White River Junction by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites White River Junction by IHG

2.5 out of 5
121 Ballardvale Dr White River Junction VT
The price is SAR 510 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
SAR 510
SAR 562 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in White River Junction. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
The thermostat did not work properly and was very warm in the room, checked in at 2am with my kids and did not sleep well because the ac was not working, had to open the window which only opens 2 inches to get some cool air in the room. Would not recommend

Reviewed on 9 March 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites White River Junction by IHG
Steele Hill Resorts

Steele Hill Resorts

3 out of 5
516 Steele Hill Road Sanbornton NH
The price is SAR 709 per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
SAR 709
SAR 770 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (776 reviews)
Pool was really cool. Room was very clean.

Reviewed on 7 March 2026

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (195 reviews)
Very nice spot, clean, friendly and helpful front desk, and the beds were comfortable. Pool and jacuzzi were a plus.

Reviewed on 9 March 2026

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort
Cozy Cabin Waterville Estates

Cozy Cabin Waterville Estates

Campton NH
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Campton. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pickleball courts, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Welch Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
Easy communication. Directions to home said not to use gps - but the directions were not accurate. Gps worked for others just fine. Downstairs smelled very damp and musty and the whole house was dirty. Food and mouse poop in pullout couch. Top bunk unmade. Dirt and hair on bathroom floors. 1/2 (opened) ...

Reviewed on 6 October 2025

Cozy Cabin Waterville Estates
Skiers Favorite Studio

Skiers Favorite Studio

Warren NH
Stay at this cabin in Warren. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Warren Common and Davis-White State Forest are located nearby.
Skiers Favorite Studio
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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