Mount Cardigan

Trail: Manning Trail, Mowglis Trail, Clark Trail, South Ridge Trail, Hurricane Gap Trail, Cathedral Forest Trail, Holt Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“It had been a while since I had been to Cardigan so the classic loop fit the bill nicely. Trails were dry with a few damp areas and just a trace of mud. The ledges on Firescrew and Cardigan were dry and grippy today so now worries of slipping. A couple large summer camp groups on or near the summits today. Spectacular views all around. There was a group of people near the trailhead cutting trees so use caution as you pass. It looked like they were cutting ash trees presumably removing dead trees due to the Ash Bore Beetle. Mostly sunny and windy today with temps in the 70s and lower humidity.”

Trail: Orange Road, Knowles Hill Road, Church Hill Road, Skyland Trail, West Ridge Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“I wanted to check out the longer, more difficult approach to Cardigan and Skyland definitely fit the bill. After the short road walk up Knowles Hill Road, turn onto Church Hill. There is a gate with a "Private Turnaround" sign on it, but hikers are ok. After a steep little climb past the camps along Church Hill Road, you will see a sign on a tree for Skyland Trail, which leaves the road going left. Even being pretty remote and lightly used, the trail is very well blazed with white paint and cairns on the open ridges. There is very little undergrowth and for the most part you are moving through fairly open woods. There is plenty of moose droppings along the trail and I woke up a cow on the backside of Grafton Knob on my way in. The area was clearly farmed and you cross stone walls and cellar holes - including on that still has it's front steps. The views across the open summits of Crane and Orange get progressively more beautiful. There are some slabby sections along the way covered in pine needles, which are a little slippery. Take care especially on the back side of Orange, where the trail is right along a 20'+ cliff. I did not see anyone until Cardigan Rimrock and then more people once I hit the West Ridge trail. Views from the summit were excellent, being able to see all the way to Washington. After that I followed Skyland back to my car, for a 10 mile round trip.”

Trail: Holt Trail, Mowglis Trail, Manning Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail

“Holt Trail is as tough as advertised, but made for a good adventure.”