Cardigan Mountain State Park

Contact

658 Cardigan Mountain Rd, Orange, NH 03741

Hours and Fees

The gate is closed for the season.
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The gate usually closes the end of October, or according to the weather. When closed, parking outside the gate is permitted. It is a 1/4 mile walk. into the park.
This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting. During the off-season the park is typically not staffed and comfort stations are not available.

Off season use: The off-season poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. Please be aware that many State Park areas and trails are not staffed during the off-season, and day-use fees are not collected. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety. Users assume all risk while recreating in State Park land.

Activities and amenities

About the Park

Cardigan Mountain State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of Mount Cardigan as well as a trail to the summit. Mount Cardigan's 3,121-foot treeless granite summit affords outstanding views of west central New Hampshire, with a panorama that includes Mount Monadnock and the White Mountains, Camel's Hump in Vermont, and Pleasant Mountain in Maine. Camping is available at AMC's Cardigan Lodge.
Mount Cardigan Hiking Map

The Cardigan Climb

Excerpt from New Hampshire State Parks' blog: "My day at Mount Cardigan began at the West Ridge trail-head parking lot. An overhead shelter with picnic tables and nearby restrooms marks the entrance of the West Ridge Trail. Climbing 1,200 vertical feet in one and a half miles, the West Ridge Trail is the most direct route to the summit. Making use of log staircases and wooden bridges the trail snakes up through a classic northern hardwood forest made up of a mix of sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch trees." To read about the rest of Daniel's hike check out his blog post "The Cardigan Climb."

Are pets allowed at Cardigan State Park?

Pets are permitted in the park. See the NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.

Keep Your Parks Clean

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program, you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out whatever you carry in. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Access for Persons with Disabilities

Visit our Accessibility page. For more information on specific accessibilty needs or questions, please contact the individual park office directly.

Additional Information/Resources

Mount Cardigan Hiking Map

Camping: AMC's Cardigan Lodge

Mt. Cardigan Subalpine Summit and Rocky Ridge

AMC Outdoors with Kids

Drone use is restricted at all NH State Parks. Drone operators are not permitted to take off or land within NH State Park boundaries.