Canaan, NH

Travel Guide

Soft Sunrise Over a Tranquil Lake in New Hampshire
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.
Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
We had a great stay at this winter cabin. The place was cozy, clean, and exactly as described. It was perfect for a cold-weather getaway and had everything we needed to feel comfortable. The host was responsive and helpful, and check-in/check-out were smooth. We would definitely stay here again and ...

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all
Align Inn Vermont

Align Inn Vermont

2.5 out of 5
5817 Woodstock Rd Quechee VT
The price is ¥16,979 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
¥16,979
¥18,677 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,102 reviews)
Very clean room, kind staff and excellent breakfast.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 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
The price is ¥21,191 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
¥21,191
¥22,992 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (1,003 reviews)
clean room very friendly staff, great breakfast

Reviewed on Feb 2, 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/luxury bathroom, hot tub, game room, and adventure for all

Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
We had a great stay at this winter cabin. The place was cozy, clean, and exactly as described. It was perfect for a cold-weather getaway and had everything we needed to feel comfortable. The host was responsive and helpful, and check-in/check-out were smooth. We would definitely stay here again and ...

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Cozy mountain cabin w/luxury bathroom, 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (181 reviews)
Clean and staff are very friendly

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Cold Spring Plymouth Resort
White Mountain Cozy Cottage with Touch of Modern

White Mountain Cozy Cottage with Touch of Modern

Campton NH
Stay at this cottage in Campton. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blair Bridge and Blair State Forest are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
The cottage was perfect for our long weekend getaway. It was more spacious than expected and convenient location. The host is very responsive and accommodating. Would stay again!

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

White Mountain Cozy Cottage with Touch of Modern
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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