Firescrew Mountain

The Mount Cardigan via Manning, Clark, and Holt Trail Loop offers a diverse and challenging hiking experience, leading you through varied terrain to a spectacular open granite summit. You'll start on gentler paths before encountering rough, uneven sections, including significant granite slabs and forested areas. The highlight is undoubtedly the bare granite dome of Mount Cardigan, providing expansive 360-degree views of the surrounding Green and White Mountains, the Lakes Region, and Newfound Lake.

This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) loop involves a substantial 1772 feet (540 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 3 hours and 37 minutes. The Holt Trail section is particularly strenuous, featuring boulder-hopping and a Class 3 scramble, so it's best suited for experienced hikers. Always check the weather forecast, as the exposed upper mountain can be dangerous in stormy conditions, and descending the Holt Trail is often not recommended.

Mount Cardigan's distinctive rocky dome is a result of an 1855 forest fire, and its open granite expanses showcase striations from ancient glacial sheets. The summit is home to an active fire tower, adding a unique historical and functional landmark to your hike. This route is a fantastic way to experience one of New Hampshire's most notable peaks, offering both a physical challenge and rewarding scenery.