| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cardigan, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Access road, West Ridge Trail, South Ridge Trail, Clark Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Cardigan Mountain Rd. is closed in winter which add 1.4 miles to the loop according to the 52 WAV book. Across the road from the gate there is a small parking lot that will fit 5-6 cars. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Few minor water crossings that you can easily hop over. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One, large downed tree laying across Cardigan Mountain Rd right after the gate. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Hiked with my two Cattle Dogs. Few steep, icy sections on South Ridge Trail but they handled it without issue. They also did not have an issue with the exposed, steep ledges on the summit. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Someone's black wind-breaker was hanging on the gate. |
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|
 | Comments: |
***Cardigan Mountain Road (either side of the gate), Burnt Hill Rd, River Road, and Millbrook Road were extremely muddy with deep tracks. I would recommend 4WD or AWD with a higher clearance vehicle this time of year.***
The short road walk was easy and covered in snow. Started on West Ridge trail and the trail was packed snow. Forked onto South ridge trail which did have a short section where you were hiking in water. Once SRT starts to get really steep, there a few sections with large ice formations. There were easy to navigate but needed to move slower. Once past the ice, the remaining trail to Rimrock and South Summit are once again packed snow and scattered with rock ledges. Clark trail was steep rock slabs up to the tower. Minimum ice and can be avoided. The summit was very foggy and windy so we did not hang out too long. The hike down West Ridge Trail was much easier and the trail was packed snow. Overall great hike but need to come back for the famous views! |
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 | Name: |
MTS |
|
 | E-Mail: |
szop258@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-03-06 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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