Season Dates:

Full-Service:

Open year round* – (*Lodge will be closed from March 26 – April 27, 2023)

Whether snowshoeing or backcountry skiing in winter, or hiking and camping in summer, Cardigan Lodge offers the perfect setting to easily access the outdoors. Guests can access more than 50 miles of hiking and historic ski trails, built by the Civilian Conservation Corp., directly from the lodge and choose from numerous routes up to Cardigan Mountain’s 3,121-foot treeless granite summit. Known as ‘Old Baldy,’ Mount Cardigan is a three-peaked mountain with Cardigan the highest, flanked by the neighboring summits of South Peak and Firescrew. The 360-degree panorama includes views of Mount Monadnock, the White Mountains, Camel’s Hump in Vermont, and Pleasant Mountain in Maine.

Group and individual walk-in campsites are available for reservation and are easily accessible for those wishing to camp and enjoy the quiet forest, waterfalls, and swimming in the Lodge’s nearby pond. A small retail store offers books, maps, logo gear, and last-minute items. Our Demo Center offers guests the opportunity to try out Deuter backpacks and LEKI poles for free.

Full-Service

Your stay includes a delicious, family-style dinner, breakfast, and trail lunch, along with provisions such as linens, soap, and towels. On warm days, relax on the porch or take a swim in the pond after your hike. If you prefer to be indoors, there is a large dining room with tables and a comfortable sitting room on the main floor, as well as a small library/game room downstairs.

Meal Service

Breakfast is served family-style at 8 a.m. sharp. Hot beverages are available at 6:30 a.m. Trail lunches are made to order and available for pick up at breakfast. Dinner is served family-style at 6 p.m. sharp. Meal reservations are available to campsite guests. Please notify AMC Contact Service Center if you have food allergies or any other dietary restrictions. 603-466-2727.

Cancellation Policies

Learn more about AMC’s cancellation policies for lodging and programs.

Accessibility

Dining and living room areas are accessible. Sleeping rooms and restrooms are not accessible.

Nearby Trails

Mount Cardigan (Strenuous):  Hikers of all ages enjoy a hike up Mount Cardigan, with its 360-degree views of surrounding White Mountains. Start just outside Cardigan Lodge on the Manning Trail, hiking 0.2 mile to the intersection with the Holt Trail. Follow the Holt Trail for 1.8 miles to the summit of Cardigan, then head north along the Mowglis Trail to the summit of Firescrew Mountain and reconnecting with the Manning Trail. Continue on Manning Trail back to Cardigan Lodge.

Weather

The right clothing and gear are essential in the unpredictable weather of the Northeast’s mountains. Even if it feels like summer in the valleys, it can be cold and winter-like on the high peaks. Be prepared for severe weather regardless of season, dress in layers (including synthetic or wool base and insulating layers, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell), eat high energy foods, and stay hydrated.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Operations

AMC has a long-standing commitment to using its huts, lodges, and sporting camps as models for sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. At Cardigan Lodge we use solar panels and have a car charging station. Our food is locally sources and we trade food waste with a local farmer for firewood and snowplowing services. Cardigan Lodge also offers environmental education opportunities.