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

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Holt Trail

4.3 (4 Ratings)
Think twice and then think again before deciding on this most direct, easterly ascent of Mount Cardigan.
1.7
mi
Distance
1,718
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekViews
Access Issues
Practice extreme caution in choosing this trail.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.71mi
Distance
1,718ft
Elevation Gain
17ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
3,146ft
High Point
1,428ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail is gentle much of the way and can be accessed via Manning Trail and/or the Upper Nature Trail. A seemingly young and seldom used trail, as you approach the upper portion of the trail, it answers why as you'll encounter some of, if not the most, difficult scrambling, practically climbing, south of the Whites. This trail is listed among the 25 Most Terrifying for a reason. You must be absolutely prepared for a very tough, if ultimately short, ascent as you don't want to face the prospect of returning down the way you came if you reach a point that you are uncertain that you can climb. Think it over very carefully before taking this route.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Ken Cutting