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Cardigan Mountain State Forest in Orange | Map and Routes

5 (14 ratings)

Explore the natural beauty of Cardigan Mountain State Forest in Orange, United States, spanning across 5985.6 acres, making it a haven for walkers and hikers alike. With a variety of ...

Explore the natural beauty of Cardigan Mountain State Forest in Orange, United States, spanning across 5985.6 acres, making it a haven for walkers and hikers alike. With a variety of trails to suit all levels of activity, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, this park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk or a more adventurous trek, Cardigan Mountain State Forest has something for everyone. Cardigan Mountain State Forest boasts a network of well-maintained trails, including the popular Mount Cardigan Trail, which stretches 4.5 miles and offers stunning panoramic views. In addition to Mount Cardigan, there are several other trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether you're looking for a short, brisk walk or a longer, more challenging hike, the park's diverse trail system ensures there's always a new path to discover. For walkers and hikers looking to experience the natural wonders of Cardigan Mountain State Forest, the park offers an ideal setting to enjoy the great outdoors. From lush forests to breathtaking vistas, the park's diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. For more information on park routes and trail information, users can download Pacer Pedometer, your go-to resource for exploring the park's trails and planning your next adventure.

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Walking and Hiking in Cardigan Mountain State Forest

Cardigan Mountain State Forest in Orange, United States is a paradise for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its breathtaking natural beauty and well-maintained trails, this park is an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. The park offers essential amenities such as parking lots and restrooms, ensuring convenience ...

Cardigan Mountain State Forest in Orange, United States is a paradise for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its breathtaking natural beauty and well-maintained trails, this park is an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. The park offers essential amenities such as parking lots and restrooms, ensuring convenience for visitors. In addition to its natural beauty, walkers and hikers can explore attractions like Cardigan Mountain State Park and enjoy stunning viewpoints along the trails. For added convenience, the park also provides shelters for those looking to take a break and relax amidst nature. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Cardigan Mountain State Forest has everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

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Other Info about Cardigan Mountain State Forest

Essential Amenities in Cardigan Mountain State Forest

Restroom
Parking lot

Things to See in Cardigan Mountain State Forest

Attraction

Cardigan Mountain State Park

Other Amenities in Cardigan Mountain State Forest

Shelter

Best Walking Routes in Cardigan Mountain State Forest

#1 - Mount Cardigan
1
Length: 4.5 milesEst. Time: 1h28m

Mount Cardigan is a 4.5 mile (10,000-step) route located near Canaan, New Hampshire, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 1708.9 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Kimball Ski Trail
1
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m

Kimball Ski Trail is a 1.2 mile (2,500-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 88.6 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Alexandria Ski Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Alexandria Ski Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Reviews of Cardigan Mountain State Forest

5/5
14 ratings
capybuddAug 30, 2021
5
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Cardigan Mountain State Forest Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
🇮🇱war🇮🇱criminal🇮🇱
3
Nick
2
Cynthia
1
4BlueShirtBruce
1
5sarah
1
6Stephanie
1
7PacerPal
1
8susansmith88
1
9capybudd
1
10Roxanne
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Welton Falls State Forest
Williams Field
Independence Park
Cummings Beach
Kelly Park
Hope Forest
Jim Darling Natural Area
Huse Park
Hope Forest

FAQs About Cardigan Mountain State Forest

Where is the best place to walk in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

The best place to walk in Cardigan Mountain State Forest is the Mount Cardigan trail. It's a 4.5-mile trail with a rating of 4.5 based on 1 review. It offers stunning views and a moderate level of difficulty. The Pacer community recommends this trail for its scenic beauty and well-maintained paths.

How many routes are in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

Cardigan Mountain State Forest offers a total of 16 routes for walking and hiking. These routes cater to various difficulty levels and provide diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

Which is the longest route in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

The longest route in Cardigan Mountain State Forest is the Mount Cardigan trail, spanning 4.5 miles. This trail is highly regarded by the Pacer community, with a rating of 4.5 based on 1 review. It's a great choice for those seeking a longer and more challenging hike with beautiful scenery.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

Yes, there are essential amenities such as parking lots and restrooms available for walkers and hikers in Cardigan Mountain State Forest.

How accessible is Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

Cardigan Mountain State Forest is accessible with parking lots and restrooms available, making it convenient for walkers and hikers to access the park.

What kind of sports can I do in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

In Cardigan Mountain State Forest, visitors can enjoy walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, there are shelters available for relaxation or picnics after sports activities.

What is the best season to walk in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

The best season to walk in Cardigan Mountain State Forest is typically late spring to early fall when the weather is mild and the trails are clear of snow and ice.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

Visitors should prepare for a range of weather conditions, including cool temperatures, occasional rain showers, and potential fog, especially at higher elevations. It's advisable to dress in layers and carry rain gear.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Cardigan Mountain State Forest?

In Cardigan Mountain State Forest, hikers may encounter wildlife such as white-tailed deer, red foxes, various bird species, and smaller mammals like squirrels and chipmunks. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the natural habitat.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Parks Near Cardigan Mountain State Forest

Welton Falls State Forest
Williams Field
Independence Park
Cummings Beach
Kelly Park
Hope Forest
Jim Darling Natural Area
Huse Park
Hope Forest

Latest Check-ins at Cardigan Mountain State Forest

CynthiaNov 29, 2025
Nov 29, 2025Walking
BlueShirtBruceSep 21, 2025
Sep 21, 2025Manual
StephanieAug 31, 2023
Aug 31, 2023Hiking
PacerPalAug 28, 2023
Aug 28, 2023Hiking
susansmith88Nov 13, 2022
Nov 13, 2022Walking
sarahAug 16, 2024
Aug 16, 2024Walking
JohnJun 14, 2020
Jun 14, 2020Walking
RoxanneSep 7, 2020
Sep 7, 2020Walking
NickJun 16, 2021
Jun 16, 2021Walking
🇮🇱war🇮🇱criminal🇮🇱May 7, 2022
May 7, 2022Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Cardigan Mountain State Forest

RankingCheck-ins
🇮🇱war🇮🇱criminal🇮🇱
3
Nick
2
Cynthia
1
4BlueShirtBruce
1
5sarah
1
6Stephanie
1
7PacerPal
1
8susansmith88
1
9capybudd
1
10Roxanne
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Cardigan Mountain State Forest
#1- Mount Cardigan
1
Length: 4.5 milesEst. Time: 1h28m

Mount Cardigan is a 4.5 mile (10,000-step) route located near Canaan, New Hampshire, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 1708.9 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Kimball Ski Trail
1
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m

Kimball Ski Trail is a 1.2 mile (2,500-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 88.6 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Alexandria Ski Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Alexandria Ski Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Bailey Brook Ski Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m

Bailey Brook Ski Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Vistamont Trail
1
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m

Vistamont Trail is a 1.4 mile (3,000-step) route located near Orange, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 544.5 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Back 80 Trail
1
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m

Back 80 Trail is a 2.7 mile (6,000-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 6.6 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Ranger Cabin Trail
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m

Ranger Cabin Trail is a 0.2 mile (380-step) route located near Orange, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Skyland Trail
1
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h46m

Skyland Trail is a 3.8 mile (9,000-step) route located near Orange, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 915.1 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Hurricane Gap Trail
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

Hurricane Gap Trail is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Orange, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#10- Mowglis Trail
1
Length: 2 milesEst. Time: 33m

Mowglis Trail is a 2 mile (4,500-step) route located near Orange, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 82 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#11- Holt Trail
1
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 29m

Holt Trail is a 1.7 mile (4,000-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 1105.4 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#12- Manning Trail
1
Length: 2.1 milesEst. Time: 36m

Manning Trail is a 2.1 mile (5,000-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#13- Clark Trail
1
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 30m

Clark Trail is a 1.8 mile (4,000-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#14- Cathedral Forest Trail
1
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m

Cathedral Forest Trail is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#15- Dukes Ski Trail
1
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m

Dukes Ski Trail is a 1.4 mile (3,500-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 1226.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#16- Alleyway
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m

Alleyway is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Alexandria, New Hampshire. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Cardigan Mountain State Forest

capybuddAug 30, 2021
5
5/5
14 ratings
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