Canaan, NH

Travel Guide

Soft Sunrise Over a Tranquil Lake in New Hampshire
Golden Sunrise on Lake with Lifeguard Chair
At the summit of Mt. Cardigan. A 3121 ft peak in Central New Hampshire.   A moderate hike of 1.5 miles from the parking lot on the western side of the mountain. Stunning 360 degree views off of the granite, treeless summit make this an outstanding short day hike for families. It can be warm hiking up, and quite cooler with a lot a wind at the top.
With a tip of the hat to @StellaKristjánsdóttir here is Bella on her way up to the summit.  Mount Cardigan, located in the Lakes Region of Central New Hampshire is one of the best places to be, with its 360-degree views and open ridge walks.

On the east side of the mountain, start your hike at the Appalacian Mountian Club’s Cardigan Lodge.

This trip utilizes the following three trails: Holt, Cathedral Forest, and Clark trails. While on the Holt trail, you will cross over Bailey Brook, a tempting but chilly swimming hole. 

Once at the summit, climb the fire tower and say hello to the warden if the tower is staffed. To the east one can see all the way to Lake Winnipesaukee and the Osippee and Belknap Mountains, and on a particularly clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Chocorua. To the west, you can look into Vermont’s rolling hills. To the north you can just begin to see the White Mountains, when the skies are clear.

The hike is of moderate level.  Total mileage one way is 2.6 miles with a hiking time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

This is an excellent hike for first-time hikers and families and an enjoyable track for those of all ability levels.
    
The trail is steepest as you near the summit, traversing open granite slabs for the final 500ft from the Warden’s Cabin to the fire tower.
Great hike
White River Inn and Suites

White River Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
91 Ballardvale Drive White River Junction VT
The price is ¥18,792 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
¥18,792
¥20,670 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in White River Junction. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

White River Inn and Suites
Align Inn Vermont

Align Inn Vermont

2.5 out of 5
5817 Woodstock Rd Quechee VT
The price is ¥17,420 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥17,420
¥19,161 total
Apr 13 - Apr 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Quechee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,148 reviews)
Clean room, friendly staff

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

Align Inn Vermont
Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon

2.5 out of 5
25 Airport Road West Lebanon NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,100 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥24,100
¥26,149 total
Apr 2 - Apr 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Lebanon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
It was a great stay. Friendly staff. Beautiful atmosphere. Clean. Great breakfast includes.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy mountain cabin w/Mountain View, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Cozy mountain cabin w/Mountain View, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Orange NH
Stay at this cabin in Canaan. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sudrabin Forest and Cardigan Mountain State Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
The cabin was beautiful! We had a lovely stay with friends. The property is so relaxing and the view is gorgeous.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Cozy mountain cabin w/Mountain View, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all
Cold Spring Plymouth Resort

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort

3.5 out of 5
460 North Ashland Road Ashland NH
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Ashland. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and a fitness center. Popular attractions The Flying Monkey Movie House and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (200 reviews)
we were in town for a visit with old friends, and a book event. we like to stay here when we are in town because you can get a very clean apartment that has all facilities to make the stay special. great gym, pool, walking etc. washing machine in the units. i highly recommend.

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort
Cozy Cabin Waterville Estates

Cozy Cabin Waterville Estates

Campton NH
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Campton. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pickleball courts, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Welch Mountain ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
Wonderful home in The woods. Close to skiing and the pool was perfect for my kids. Will be back soon

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026

Cozy Cabin Waterville Estates
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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