Basecamp: Cardigan Lodge
- Hiking Mt. Cardigan
- Spring waterfall hike to Welton Falls
- Spend the night at High Cabin
- Explore the Newfound Lake area
- Paddling 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 -- take advantage of lower cost self-service rates all spring.
1. Hiking 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.
Beginner 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 track 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. Spring waterfall hike to Welton Falls
Because spring is the best time to see waterfalls at their peak, take the family on a short, 1.2-mile hike to Welton Falls. To reach the main falls located in the Welton Falls Reservation, head out from Cardigan Lodge on the Manning Trail. The main attraction is the lower half of Welton Falls, a 15-foot plunge surrounded by cliff walls on all sides.
3. Spend the night at High Cabin
Gather a group of friends and hike just short of Mt. Cardigan's summit for an overnight at the AMC’s High Cabin. For over 70 years, High Cabin has offered a rustic, year-round retreat near the summit of Mt. Cardigan for groups interested in 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.
4. Explore the Newfound Lake area
A few miles from Cardigan Lodge is Newfound Lake, a gorgeous spot for early season 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.
Spring melt makes for some memorable photos at Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton, where the 30-foot cascade of Cockermouth River has carved out a gorge and three to four foot deep 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.
5. Paddling 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.
Beginning in May, 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. Beginning in May, the center features self-guided trails for visitors to explore and learn about native New Hampshire wildlife.
