03 October 2017: Mount Cardigan (and Rimrock, South Peak)

This was my second time out with my friend from work, "Zoey", and her dog LOGAN. Logan is a handful and today he had a ball as we explored Mount Cardigan. This is one I will gladly do time and time again, and I would love to try all of the trails up this gem.

History: Cardigan Mountain resides within a state park bearing it's name, this peak offers many things to a vairety of people. The geology of the mountain is notable, as is the network of alpine ski trails in it's shadow on the eastern slopes. Those ski trails were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The summit saw a rather devastating forest fire back in the 1850s and has never truly recovered. The AMC has a lodge on the eastern side of the mountain, making it a popular destination for hikers to set up as a base camp for day hikes.

Peak Elevation: 3156 ft
Elevation Gain: 1100 ft (est)
Trail: West Ridge Trail, South Slide Trail, Skyland Trail
Length: 5.5 mi
Time on Trail : 1000ish
Time off Trail: 1300ish

This was Zoey and I's second hike out - we wanted something quick and fun and Cardigan definitely hit the nail on the head. My friend and her BF are working on the NH48 as well and any hiking to keep fitness up for either of us was a welcome challenge. I was aiming to bag a bunch of of the 52WAV peaks this fall as well. I had intended to advise we try the other side's trails so we could go to Firescrew Mountain, but I had a brainfart on the drive up and we ended up closer to Orange NH. I didn't really care that much about what we did as long as we got out on the trails! Firescrew, I'll be back for you.

West rim trail was pretty easy to get to, parking there is ample (state park fees apply) and the West Ridge Trailhead even has composting toilets for those who need such a thing. The trail offers pretty easy grading for most of the way. It's the most direct way up the mountain peak as well, which comes in handy for weather related rapid descents. We decided that because the mileage was short we could explore the south peak and rimrock as well. We found some of the buildings along the way which are either for nordic skiers or fire wardens, maybe? Or maybe they're something you can reserve? I'll have to do some digging later.

The peak is balder than I am, and offers panoramic views. The fire tower was not open and did not appear to be occupied while we were there. When we arrived we only saw a few other people. LOGAN made a friend who chased him the entire time. The other dog's owner was pretty nice, and I think she thought my friend and I were an item, which was kind of awkward (for me anyhow).

We descended straight down West Ridge Trail at the end of the day. The blazes are clearly marked and I have no complaints about the condition of anything here. It was a remarkably stellar day outside. And I didn't burn too badly!


Photos:

Mt Cardigan (Including Rimrock and South peak) 03OCT17

Link to useful info about Hiking Cardigan: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/Cardigan-Mountain-State-Park.aspx