West Ridge Trail Up Cardigan

The decision was made to hike up Mt. Cardigan on the Saturday of Columbus Day Weekend. So we knew we had to get to the West Ridge trail head early.

I arrived just before 8am and the lot was about three quarters full. Some friends arrived shortly after me and some other shortly after that.

We were a group of 6 with 4 adults and 2 kids. When we started up it was chilly. Everyone had hats and gloves on. We took the direct route up the direct route up to the top. As we climbed a few people passed us but it was mostly a relaxing hike and a good slow and steady pace.

When we got to the slabs we separated a little but the skys were clear and blue and there were pictures to be taken.

Once we were at the summit we had a snack. More pictures and a little walking around the fire tower. The kids seemed to be having a blast. We also talked with some people who just came up the Holt trail. That is one of New Hampshires most challenging trail due to steep slabs on the way up. I’ve done it once but not doing that again. They seemed to have the same opinion.

On the way down we chose to do return the same way we went up. As we went down there were lines of people making their way up. I can only imagine how crowed the summit would be after we left.

Once we arrived at the parking lot there were cars everywhere. The lot was literally busting at the seams. Wile driving out cars lined both sides of the narrow dirt road for more than a half mile. But that’s what you get on a holiday weekend. That’s why we got there early.