Get Fit Hike #3: Mount Cardigan

This is the mountain everyone should have ticked off their list at some point. It’s on the 52 with a view list (as are many other fine peaks) so that’s as good an excuse as anyone needs, right? Right!

Started at 9:30. There were ten of us and we did our best to practice social distancing. Down in the trees, it was a delightful spring hike. Wildflowers, spring green leaves above us. Plenty of painted trillium and saw a small patch of goldthread near Firescrew. The approach was fairly easy.

As the trail pitched upward, a bit more strenuous. Nearer the top, some light scrambling. Approaching tree line, trees thinning out, and ledgy rock taking over.

Above tree line, wind. Wow, lots of wind today. Not particularly epic wind, but it was constant. And yet, the view was unimpeded to wherever we turned. Vermont, the Whites… we probably could have seen out to Maine if the curve of the earth didn’t get in the way!

It was very windy on the summit so we did not linger for very long; there were only 6-8 people on the summit besides our group. We had lunch on a ledge above the Fire Warden’s Cabin to get out of the wind.

It’s a nice, fun little mountain. Overall, we enjoyed every bit of the enchantment that we found in the bigger peaks, without as committing of a drive, nor as long a day. The views were stellar, period!

No doubt, in the summer, it will be crowded. But today, while we encountered a fair amount of people, it never felt crowded. .

We are going to let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

~ Mike and Jon

Thinking of getting in shape for a hike in the Whites, here is your opportunity to participate in a series of 3 hikes that will get progressively harder to get you fit for the upcoming summer hiking season!

Although Mount Cardigan’s elevation is only 3,155 feet, it gives hikers a feeling they are much higher due to the huge areas of bare granite rock with some alpine growth. The summit has a fire tower and amazing 360° views!

This is a loop hike starting from Cardigan Lodge. We will take the Manning Trail to the summit of Firescrew [3064’] and then the Mowglis Trail to the summit of Mount Cardigan [3155’].  We will return on the Clark and Clark-Holt Cut Off Trails back to Cardigan Lodge. Above treeline hiking on Firescrew and Cardigan, views in all directions!

Bring water and lunch; along with what you normally carry for a day hike.

Round trip distance: 6.0 miles

Elevation gain: 1,920 feet 

We are keeping the hike at 10 people to make it easier to practice the recommended social distancing of keeping about 6 feet of distance between everyone. Join us for a short hike in the great outdoors for some fresh air and some much needed camaraderie!