A Big Loop Over Cardigan on a Tuesday
Details
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): Amy Kelliher, Christopher Dallmus
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001K4DN
Register By: 10/10/2026
Audience: Everyone
Description: Join us for a beautiful loop around Mt. Cardigan, connecting Firescrew, Mt Cardigan, Cardigan South Peak, Rimrock, and Mt. Gilman. Though steep and rugged in places, the views are unparalleled, and the limited traffic on most of the trail sections make this a gem in central NH. This hike will be approximately 7.6 miles and just over 2000 ft of elevation gain. Although this will not be a fast-paced hike, we will hike at a steady pace, expecting the hike to take 5-6 hours depending on trail conditions and the group. We will take short breaks for water and snacks and a longer break for lunch.
Participants must be comfortable scrambling up and down long stretches of open ledges, hiking over rocky and uneven terrain (often wet), and be prepared for sustained uphill climbing. When registering, please provide specific examples of recent hikes in the past 6 months in similar mountain terrain and elevation, including dates, distances, and elapsed time.
Since we are now into autumn, participants must be prepared for cool and cold weather (although it may be sunny and warm!) and pack a warm puffy jacket (or similar), a warm mid-layer, warm hat and gloves, rain gear, lunch, at least two liters of water, headlamp, and other essentials. We will cancel if the weather forecast shows consistent rain although we will hike through a shower. Refer to the AMC Day Hike Gear List and the Ten Essentials lis t for a more comprehensive gear list.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!