AMC Cardigan Lodge

02/19/2026

Snow much fun this winter at Cardigan Lodge ❄️⛄

The Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter turned fresh snowfall into a full-on winter adventure, building an epic Quinzee in the backyard—complete with a carved-out bench for prime cocoa sipping. Caretaker Matthew Hecht even popped in to test it out!

Ready to build your own winter memories? Plan your stay: https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/new-hampshire/cardigan-lodge

01/21/2026

Cardigan is more than just a great view—it’s also home to one of the most classic backcountry ski runs in New England. 🎿

AMC’s latest blog features 7 top spots for winter backcountry skiing, and Mount Cardigan is right at the top.

Start planning your next tour:

Discover the best backcountry skiing in the Northeast, with classic routes, difficulty levels, and planning tips.

01/14/2026

12/16/2025

We’ve got happy news! The new expanded parking lot is open and ready for your adventures. ☃️

We now have one spacious lot, plus EV charging in the upper lot by the lodge. Bundle up, grab your gear, and come enjoy the season with us!🌲
Book your stay: https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/book-now/ #/room?resultFilterValue=20527

12/11/2025

⛔️ Temporary Parking Closure at Cardigan Lodge 🚧

We’re currently expanding the parking lot to add more space ahead of a busy winter season. Construction is underway, and contractors are actively working onsite.

Parking at Cardigan Lodge is closed for the duration of the project. If you’re planning to visit or recreate in the area, please park in Orange, NH and access the trails via the State Park entrance.

We apologize for the inconvenience and will continue to provide updates as work moves forward.

10/07/2025

Waking up under a canopy of fall colors? That’s the Cardigan Lodge experience. 🍂

Whether you're hiking Mount Cardigan or cozying up at the lodge, you're surrounded by the best of the season. Book your stay and experience fall in full color: https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/book-now/ #/room?resultFilterValue=20527

09/04/2025

🚨 Planning a trip to Cardigan in September? Here are a couple of important updates to keep in mind:

📍 Parking
On Sept 5–6 and Sept 19–20, parking will be extremely limited. Spaces will be reserved for lodging and camping guests only. Day visitors are encouraged to start their hikes from Cardigan State Park in Orange, NH.

⛰️ Summit Closure
On Sept 11–12, the Cardigan summit will be closed for fire tower maintenance. Helicopter work requires a full closure of the West Ridge Trail. The Holt Trail (north) may remain open, but hikers will not be able to access the summit.
Feel free to explore Cardigan’s beautiful trail network and flanking peaks—but please note summit access will not be possible these days.

Thanks for planning ahead—see you on the trails! 🥾💚

09/02/2025

It was a full house this weekend! 🏡✨
The lodge was filled with laughter, hearty meals, and the best kind of mountain camaraderie—special thanks to our friends at the Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter for bringing the energy! 💚

Don’t miss out—make your own Cardigan memories and book your stay today: https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/book-now/ #/room?resultFilterValue=20527

08/29/2025

🚧 Travel Alert for Cardigan Lodge Guests 🚧

As of Thursday, August 28, a bridge on Mt. Cardigan Road is closed to traffic. To reach the Lodge, please follow this short detour instead:
➡️ From Plumer Hill Road:
• Right on Bailey Road (0.9 mi)
• Slight left on Fowler Brook Road (3.7 mi)
• Left on Brook Road (1.1 mi)
• Right on Shem Valley Road → straight to Cardigan Lodge

These roads are a bit narrow and winding, so take your time and drive carefully. The detour adds just a few extra minutes to your trip.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to your next visit!

08/12/2025

If you’ve been following Polly’s transformation, you’ll be excited to hear that over the weekend her chrysalis turned black — and just a few hours later, she emerged! 🦋

Now, even more caterpillar friends are starting their own journey in the early stages of the process.
Monarch migration season is just around the corner — an incredible journey south that can span up to 2,500 miles!

Have you spotted any monarch butterflies this season? Share where in the comments! 💬

08/11/2025

☀️ A July to Remember! 🌲
From nature walks to stargazing, pond explorations to homemade ice cream, our July Family Weekends at Cardigan Lodge were packed with adventure, laughter, and discovery for explorers of every age.

We loved seeing so many families connect with nature, try new things, and create lasting memories in the mountains. 💚

07/31/2025

The milkweed is blooming beautifully at Cardigan this season—and it’s not just the humans who are loving it. Guests and crew spotted a monarch caterpillar munching away on the leaves earlier this week, gearing up for transformation.
And now… the chrysalis has formed!

With help from our creative guests and lodge crew, this little pollinator now has a name: Polly the Pollinator 🐛

We’ll be watching closely as Polly continues her metamorphosis–stay tuned! 🦋