| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cardigan, Mt. Cardigan - South Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Cardigan Mountain Road, West Ridge Trail, Skyline Trail, South Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Small lot in the winter parking area fits 8 cars If everyone parks well, lot is plowed, covered in ice |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All water was frozen solid, to include the stream below the bridge |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Large tree still down on Mt Cardigan Rd right before the picnic tables, but easily stepped over |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
One very excited terrier who unfortunately didn’t get to summit because of the ice |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The word of the day, the week, and of the entire season so far is ICE: thick, unavoidable, and not safely barebootable once you get about a mile in. Above tree line ALL slabs are coated in ice over an inch thick. I found swapping from my Hillsounds to K-10s was my best and safest traction to get to the tower and safely back to the trailhead, but YMMV. Of the multiple groups and individuals I encountered, only 2 other adults and a few children with a third adult made it to the top—everyone else turned around, which meant everyone made wise choices and SAR wasn’t called for a rescue for any of us. Careful at the tower, as the ice is falling off in large chunks. For lovely views with less ice, skip the main peak and take Skyline to South Ridge and visit South Peak! Pictures of the trail down below.
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 | Name: |
islandgirl |
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 | E-Mail: |
joannhall4@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-01-15 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D7J5i1Lzv/?mibextid=wwXIfr |
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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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