Mt. Cardigan via West Ridge Trail

Green Mountain Vacations Stay at the Sweet Onion Inn in the heart of the Green Mountains on the acclaimed scenic Route 100. Offering opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, biking, paddling, shopping in quaint villages, and simply relaxing. Enjoy the included healthy and delicious vegan breakfasts and dinners.

Steady but easy climb. Trail is well marked with orange blazes. Great rest/warm-up trail. At first there were many deciduous trees - many blown down by ice storm of 1/98 - yet trail was mostly cleared of the fallen trees. Muddy in spots for about the first 0.5 mi. For a little while, a babbling brook runs along the trail. We saw cool icicles and mini-waterfalls (like 1-2 feet tall). Crossed a skinny wooden bridge with railings - then that was the last of the trail following alongside the brook. Then there was a mixture of rock face and shorter pine trees. As soon as the woods open up a bit, you start getting great views. Then there was all open rock. Gray rock with stripes of white rock - looked like somebody had painted white lines to draw some kind of boundaries (like BIG squares). Started to feel wind in rock/pine area and then wind steadily increased until it was really strong at the top, which was totally exposed. Small fire tower at the top (locked up). Actually this was visible as we were driving up the road, immediately after turning off of Rt. 118. The summit is completely bald. Ice/slush "ponds" in rocks at the top. Snow (small amounts) along upper part of the trail before getting to the complete rock section. We had a mini-snowball fight. 360 degree view! The Presidentials were still covered in snow! Enjoy view from the top w/o freezing by ducking down just a few feet from dome top so you’re shielded from the wind. About 50 degrees (at top, wind chill factor made it seem much colder). Start time: 1:00 p.m. Driving Directions From 89, take exit 17 (Rt. 4). Follow Rt. 4 east for 12 miles. Bear left to get onto Rt. 118. Turn right at a Cardigan State Park sign and follow the signs to the summit. (Bear right 2.7 miles from Rt. 118; at 3.4 miles bear left; at 4.1 miles you'll be in the parking area.) Facilities Outhouses at the end of the parking area farthest from the entrance road. Other Notes No WMNF parking permit needed because it’s a state park - Cardigan State Park. More Mt. Cardigan Trail Reports Mt. Cardigan and Firescrew and Meteor Showers on 8/13/1999 and 8/14/1999

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