Cardigan Mountain State Park

Cardigan Mountain State Park is a protected area featuring a granite summit rising 3,121 feet above surrounding terrain in Grafton County. The exposed peak provides views across three states including parts of the White Mountains and distant ridgelines.

State authorities established this protected area to preserve natural resources and ensure public access to the mountain's summit. The peak has served as a popular hiking destination for local communities throughout its history as a protected site.

The West Ridge Trail passes through forests of sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch that have long shaped the landscape visitors encounter. Local hikers value this route as a way to move through the natural character of the region.

The park operates with full facilities from May through October, while winter access allows snowshoeing and cross-country skiing without staffed amenities. Plan your visit timing based on the season since conditions and service levels differ throughout the year.

The granite summit stands completely bare of trees, creating an unusually open observation point among heavily forested mountains in the region. This barren peak allows visitors to spot distant landmarks like Mount Monadnock and Vermont's Camel's Hump on clear days.