Cardigan Mountain State Park
658 Cardigan Mountain Rd
Orange, NH 03741
Phone: 603-227-8745
The gate is now closed for the season.
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.
Operating Schedule
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.
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 lands.
The New Hampshire State Park Experience
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."
For more photos and posts, follow The New Hampshire State Park Experience blog and also join the conversation on Facebook.
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 for All webpage at www.nhstateparks.org/news-events/accessibility. For more information on specific accessibilty needs or questions, please contact the individual park office directly.
| Notice: Drone Use is Restricted |
 Drone use is restricted at all NH State Park. Drone operators are not permitted to take off or land within NH State Park boundaries. |