Near Clark Trail
Mt. Cardigan
Near Clark Trail
Summit view
Near Clark Trail
West Ridge Trail near summit view southest toward Canaan, NH.
Near Clark Trail
Summit of Mt. Cardigan with fire tower (photo looking NW).

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Clark Trail

4.5 (4 Ratings)
A moderate trail full of trees and a great view from the top!
2.9
mi
Distance
81
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Open to foot traffic year round.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.86mi
Distance
81ft
Elevation Gain
1,749ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
3,122ft
High Point
1,385ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Starting on Shem Valley Road, the trail heads west just before the AMC lodge. Park and hit the trail! Soon you'll intersect the Woodland Trail which joins the Clark Trail for a little while When the trails split, stay to the right and head north. The trail then begins to climb the east face of the main massif. The Holt-Clark Cutoff trail will come in on your right, but continue up the ridge, passing the AMC High Cabin before joining the West Ridge Trail at the Fire Wardens Cabin. From there, head straight up the summit cone for one last push to the top!

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Nearby Hike Routes

Mt. Cardigan Super Loop

Hike Route

Mt. Cardigan Super Loop

Birding
strenuous
8.75 mi
+3,222 ft
Mount Cardigan via West Ridge Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Cardigan via West Ridge Trail

Birding
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2.71 mi
+1,208 ft
Mount Cardigan via South Ridge Trail over Rimrock and South Peak

Hike Route

Mount Cardigan via South Ridge Trail over Rimrock and South Peak

Dogs Allowed
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3.08 mi
+1,251 ft
Mount Cardigan via Holt Trail and Manning Trail

Hike Route

Mount Cardigan via Holt Trail and Manning Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
4.71 mi
+1,929 ft
Rattlesnake Mountain

Hike Route

Rattlesnake Mountain

Birding
strenuous
2.37 mi
+1,000 ft
Cole, Butternut and Anderson Pond Loop

Hike Route

Cole, Butternut and Anderson Pond Loop

moderate
7.97 mi
+1,008 ft
Contributors
Simon Pendleton