High Cabin
For more than 85 years, High Cabin has been a popular rustic retreat for backcountry enthusiasts looking for a secluded escape with breathtaking scenery. A two-mile hike from Cardigan Lodge, High Cabin is protected just below the tree line on the saddle between the Mount Cardigan summit and South Peak.
Season dates
Self-Service
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Amenities:
Hike in
Charging station
No dogs overnight
High Cabin includes 12 bunks with mattresses in the main room, dry sink, a two-burner propane stove, propane, wastewater pails, composting toilet, broom, and dustpan. Pots, pans, service ware, and utensils are included. A composting toilet is located next to the cabin. Multiple screened windows afford views and air circulation in summer. A woodstove is available for seasonal use from November 1 to May 31. Firewood is provided. Maximum capacity is 12. Cabin is locked: obtain the combination at Cardigan Lodge on the east side of Cardigan Mountain. Please check-in at Cardigan Lodge or call the lodge prior to check in. 603-744-8011.
High Cabin is self-service—please carry everything you will need in and out, including food. There is an unreliable seasonal spring (water needs to be treated), but it is recommended that you carry water in. Please bring a sleeping bag, toilet paper, flashlight/lantern/headlamp, matches/lighter and paper for woodstove and propane stove, biodegradable dish and hand soap, garbage bags to store and pack out all garbage and extra food.
Learn more about AMC’s cancellation policies for lodging and programs.
Note: Directions are to Cardigan Lodge. You will need to hike to High Cabin—please check in with staff for recommended routes.
From southern New Hampshire, Boston and its suburbs
- Take Interstate 93 North to Route 104 West (Exit 23, New Hampton, N.H.).
- Take Route 104 West, about six miles to Route 3A North in Bristol, N.H.
- Follow directions below from Bristol.
From northern New Hampshire
- Take Interstate 93 south to Route 104 West (Exit 23, New Hampton, N.H.).
- Take Route 104 West, about six miles to Route 3A North in Bristol, N.H.
- Follow directions below from Bristol.
From New York City (and Hartford Conn., western Massachusetts)
- Take Interstate 95 North (Connecticut Turnpike) to Interstate 91 North (by New Haven, Conn.).
- Take Interstate 91 North into Vermont to Interstate 89 South (near White River Junction, Vt.).
- Take Interstate 89 South to Route 4 East (Exit 17, Enfield, N.H.).
- Take Route 4 East for 25 miles to Danbury, N.H.
- In Danbury, take Route 104 East for 5.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Cass Mill Road and go about 3.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Washburn Road.
- Cross a bridge, then take the first left onto Mount Cardigan Road.
- Follow Mount Cardigan Road for 3.6 miles and stay left at the intersection with Brook Road.
- Take Shem Valley Road 1.5 miles to Cardigan Lodge (stay right at the fork in the road 100 yards).
From Bristol, New Hampshire
- Take Route 3A North toward Plymouth for 2.1 miles.
- Turn left onto West Shore Road at the blinking light (Our Lady of Grace stone church is on the far-left corner).
- Proceed 1.9 miles and then go straight onto Cardigan Mountain Road where West Shore Road turns right.
- Go 1 mile on Cardigan Mountain Road, then turn left onto North Road.
- Go 1 mile on North Road, then right onto Washburn Road in Alexandria, N.H.
- Go 200 yards and bear right onto Mount Cardigan Road.
- Follow Mount Cardigan Road for 3.6 miles and stay left at the intersection with Brook Road.
- Take Shem Valley Road 1.5 miles to Cardigan Lodge (stay right at the fork in the road 100 yards).
Upper and Lower Nature Trails (Easy): This 1-mile loop includes interpretive displays as you explore the nearby forests of Cardigan State Forest. Step out straight from the Lodge and follow the signs to the loop, and be sure to bring a pair of binoculars for any wildlife sightings on your journey.
Mount Cardigan (Strenuous): Hikers of all ages enjoy a hike up Mount Cardigan, with its 360-degree views of surrounding White Mountains. Start just outside Cardigan Lodge on the Manning Trail, hiking 0.2 mile to the intersection with the Holt Trail. Follow the Holt Trail for 1.8 miles to the summit of Cardigan, then head north along the Mowglis Trail to the summit of Firescrew Mountain and reconnecting with the Manning Trail. Continue on Manning Trail back to Cardigan Lodge.
Explore more hikes in the area in AMC’s Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide.
High Cabin is hike in only and not accessible.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Operations
AMC has a long-standing commitment to using its huts, lodges, and sporting camps as models for sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. At Cardigan Lodge we use solar panels and have a car charging station. Our food is locally sources and we trade food waste with a local farmer for firewood and snowplowing services. Cardigan Lodge also offers environmental education opportunities.