Basecamp: Cardigan Lodge
- Fall hiking picks at Mt. Cardigan
- Walk to Cardigan Mountain Orchard
- Make it a service weekend: volunteer for a family-friendly trail crew
- A mix of water and color: waterfall hike to Welton Falls
- Stay overnight near the summit of Mt. Cardigan at High Cabin
- Sights and sounds of the Newfound Lake region
- Fall traditions in the Newfound Lake region
- Paddling paradise at Squam Lake
Just a two hour drive from Boston, Cardigan Lodge is an historic AMC lodge located at the base of Mt. Cardigan in New Hampshire's Lakes Region. The recently renovated lodge is a great do-it-yourself destination for families and groups.
Looking for lower elevation hikes ideal for kids or to warm up your hiking muscles? Cardigan boasts 50 miles of hiking trails with varied terrain.
Guidebooks and maps:
Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, Discover Southern New Hampshire, Nature Walks in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, Quiet Water New Hampshire & Vermont: Canoe and Kayak Guide 1. Fall hiking picks at Mt. Cardigan
Often described as a first "big mountain climb" for children, Mt. Cardigan offers nearly twenty trails with a great variety of terrain, from hardwood forests to its bald summit—where you’ll catch views of Mt. Monadnock, Mt. Washington, and Lake Winnipesaukee.
Cathedral Forest/Clark summit route
The easiest route to the bald summit of Mt. Cardigan is via the Holt, Cathedral Forest, and Clark Trails, as detailed by AMC's Trip Planner. This is an excellent hike for first-time hikers and families and an enjoyable trek for those of all ability levels. The trail is steepest as you near the summit, traversing open granite slabs for the final 500 feet from the Warden’s Cabin to the fire tower.
Upper Holt Trail summit route
Be prepared for a challenging ascent when summiting by this route. The Holt Trail's upper ledges make this route one of the more difficult scrambles among the regular hiking trails in New England.
Circuit hike
For a circuit hike, ascend Mt. Cardigan by the Holt, Cathedral Forest, and Clark Trails—or take the Holt Trail all the way if you're experienced—and return over Firescrew (north peak) via the Mowglis and Manning Trails.
This route to the summit is 2.6 miles from Cardigan Lodge, and expert hikers can opt to take the Holt Trail to shave some time off the trip. Once atop "Old Baldy," you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Lakes Region, White Mountains, and Vermont.
Highlights along the way include P.J. Ledge off of the Clark Trail, where you’ll enjoy expansive views back over the valley and Cardigan Lodge, and off into the distance to the east.
2. Walk to Cardigan Mountain Orchard
The kids will also enjoy Cardigan Mountain Orchard, which is just down the road from Cardigan Lodge. Open from Labor Day until Thanksgiving, this family-run orchard boasts many apple varieties, fresh pressed sweet apple cider, and other fall offerings.
3. Make it a service weekend: volunteer for a family-friendly trail crew
Each year, the AMC depends on more than 2,500 trail volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and enthusiasm through participation in trail programs. Make a meaningful contribution by helping to maintain trails as part of a weekend-long trail crew at Cardigan Lodge. There are three volunteer work weekends each year, including early September and late October, focused on projects such as basic brushing, advanced rock work, and wood structure. You don’t need to be an expert to join and can bring the whole family. All abilities and efforts are appreciated.
4. A mix of water and color: waterfall hike to Welton Falls
Take the family on a short, 1.2-mile hike to Welton Falls, a popular local attraction. To reach the main falls located in the Welton Falls Reservation, head out from Cardigan Lodge on the Lower Manning Trail. The main attraction is the lower half of Welton Falls, a 15-foot plunge surrounded by cliff walls on all sides.
5. Stay overnight near the summit of Mt. Cardigan at High Cabin
Gather a group of friends and stay overnight near Mt. Cardigan's summit at AMC’s High Cabin. For over 70 years, High Cabin has offered a rustic, year-round retreat on Mt. Cardigan for groups in search of a unique backcountry trip. High Cabin’s self-service accommodations include one common room with woodstove and 12 bunks, as well as a kitchen space with propane camp stove.
6. Sights and sounds of the Newfound Lake region
A few miles from Cardigan Lodge is Newfound Lake, a gorgeous spot for paddling and fishing. Families and groups can make a day of it picnicking on the shores of the lake and enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountains at Wellington State Park. The Peninsula Trail is an easy and picturesque one-mile hiking loop that skirts the water.
In Groton at Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, the 30-foot cascade of Cockermouth River has carved out a gorge and potholes. Spend some time by the river’s edge watching the whitewater or spend an hour taking an easy hike in the forest near this river ravine. It is open year round and is free to the public.
There are several trails to explore on the North shore of Newfound Lake at Paradise Point Wildlife Sanctuary, plus additional trails at the Hebron Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and Bear Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.
Profile Falls Recreation Area in Bristol is another worthwhile stop in the area. It is a short, easy climb and descent to the base of a forty-foot cascade in the Smith River. You might just notice a human profile cut in the rock.
7. Fall traditions in the Newfound Lake region
The 15th Annual NH Marathon, dubbed "The Most Beautiful Marathon in New England," gets started at Newfound Lake at the end of September. Runners from 45 states and 10 countries set the pace on a course around beautiful Newfound Lake during the height of fall foliage season.
8. Paddling paradise at Squam Lake
The memorable location for the filming of the movie "On Golden Pond," Squam Lake is located off I-93 a 45-minute drive from Cardigan Lodge, nearby its more bustling neighbor, Lake Winnipesaukee. With 65 miles of shoreline and numerous islands, reefs, coves, and bays to explore, Squam Lake is a paddler’s paradise. Spend the day exploring the lake’s crystal waters spotting loons and catching great views of Rattlesnake Mountain from the north end of the lake.
Through Columbus Day on weekends, the Squam Lakes Association rents canoes, kayaks, and sailboats to the public at the SLA Resource Center.
While you’re here, bring the family to check out the Squam Lakes Science Center. Through November, the center features self-guided trails for visitors to explore and learn about native New Hampshire wildlife.
