NH Hiking: Mt. Major or Mt. Cardigan?

August 5, 2010 2:36 PM

NH hike this weekend: Mt. Major or Mt. Cardigan?

I'm out of shape, my SO is in terrific shape so trying to find a nice balance so that I'm challenge but don't die and she's not bored. If it matters we're bringing our 9 yr-old Wheaten terrier.

It's between those two (because they're about 2 hours from Boston), otherwise you'd have to make a really compelling case for another locale . . . which we're open to.

Thanks!!

posted by eggman to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (3 answers total)

I've never been to Mt. Major, but I spent a weekend in the cabin on top of Mount Cardigan a couple summers ago. You can't do that with dogs (or on short notice), but you can still hike the mountain. The main peak is bare, with a neat old (sadly inaccessible) fire tower. But there are three other peaks. We did all four in a loop in half a day with a pretty wide range of shape-ness. On the other hand, the hike up isn't especially easy, as I remember.
posted by Plutor at 2:57 PM on August 5, 2010

I have done both peaks multiple times. They are both great choices. Mt. Major is shorter/easier than Mt. Cardigan and when you get to the wide open summit of Major you are rewarded with a great view of Lake Winnipesaukee. Another option you might want to consider that is not to hard is Mts Morgan and Percival. http://www.hikenewengland.com/MorganPercival080217.html It's in the Lakes Region, but just a little bit further than Major and Cardigan. From the top you get fantastic views of Squam Lake.
posted by fx3000 at 5:46 PM on August 5, 2010

I'm hiking Mt. Osceola tomorrow with some friends. It's up in Lincoln, NH, maybe 20 minutes north of where you're looking. It's a 4300'+ peak but is supposed to have a fairly gentle slope all the way up. Once you reach the main peak you can hang out with the dog and eat lunch while your SO hikes to the east peak and back, along a mile and a half of good hard fun trail.
posted by xbonesgt at 8:30 AM on August 6, 2010