Mount Cardigan | |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 3,155 ft (962 m)[1] |
Prominence | 1,925 ft (587 m)[1] |
Coordinates | 43°38′59″N 71°54′53″W / 43.6497949°N 71.9148048°W[2] |
Geography | |
Location | Orange / Alexandria, New Hampshire, U.S. |
Topo map | USGS Mount Cardigan |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | West Ridge Trail |
Mount Cardigan is a prominent bare-rock summit in the towns of Orange and Alexandria in western New Hampshire, USA. While its peak is only 3,155 feet (962 m) above sea level, it has extensive areas of bare granite ledges and alpine scrub, giving it the feel to hikers of a much higher mountain. Most of the summit area was denuded by devastating forest fires in 1855.
The Civilian Conservation Corps helped develop the alpine ski trail network, still used today on the mountain's east side.
The mountain is in the 5,655-acre (22.88 km2) Cardigan Mountain State Park.
The Cardigan Lodge, operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club since 1934, is located to the east at the foot of the mountain and is often used as a base for day hikes in and around the mountain.[3] Many schools from around New England have overnight field trips to the mountain during the autumn and spring.[citation needed]. The mountain is also a popular destination for Boy Scout troops.[4]