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Mount Carrigain via Signal Ridge Trail
Destinations:
Mt. Carrigain (4700'), Signal Ridge (4420')
Trail:
Signal Ridge Trail
Region:
NH - Central East
White Mountain National Forest, Carrigain Region
Location:
Harts Location, NH
Rating:
Moderate/Difficult
Features:
Summit, views, ledges, brook, fire tower, 4000-footer
Distance:
10.0 miles
Elevation Gain:
3250 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:
Actual:
5:45
Typical:
6:40
Outing Duration:
Typical:
8:30
Hike Date:
Sunday, 8/29/1999
Last Updated:
3/02/2008
Weather:
Warm overall
Author:
Webmaster
Companions:
GONErs: Kathy K., Sara, Dave, Arnold, Martin
Route Summary
Follow Signal Ridge Trail all the way to Mt. Carrigain's summit and go back down the same way. Note that in order to stay on Signal Ridge Trail, you will need to bear left 1.7 miles from the parking area.
Place
Split
Miles
Total
Miles
Split
Time
Total
Time
Signal Ridge Trailhead (1480')
0.0
0.0
0:00
0:00
Jct. Signal Ridge Trail/Carrigain Notch Trail (1900')
1.7
1.7
Signal Ridge (4420')
2.8
4.5
Mt. Carrigain summit
(4700')
0.5
5.0
3:00
3:00
Signal Ridge Trailhead (1480')
5.0
10.0
2:45
5:45
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Trail Guide
The first couple miles of the trail are very easy - either flat or a gradual climb. And the first of these miles is accompanied by Whiteface Brook which has beautiful (but small) cascades and inviting pools. So inviting that on the way down Martin and Dave went for a swim despite the ice cold water.
Shortly after passing the junction with Carrigain Notch Trail (bear left here), Signal Ridge Trail begins a moderate but relentless climb. During the last three miles of the trail you pay for the mildness of the first two miles. There are not many switchbacks - the trail just seems to go up and up with long straight sections. Mostly along the edge of the mountain so there are plenty of views to glimpse in between the tree branches.
There were many mushrooms along the trail. Some were colored a bright orange but the most notable ones were the ones that looked like perfectly cooked pancakes. These left Kathy and I craving pancakes. While Kathy and I would have been content to eat what these mushrooms reminded us of; Arnold was only content to eat the mushrooms themselves. It turns out this type is one of his favorites and on the way down he collected a whole bag full. He said that once they're cooked up, they both smell and taste delicious.
After 4.5 miles, the view opened up as we reached the small clearing of Signal Ridge. The fantastic views here, combined with pleasantly cool breezes and the shining sun made me want to hang out here for hours. It was a hard spot to leave. There was a great view of the cliffs of Mount Lowell as well as many other more distant mountains.
From the ridge, we also had a clear view of Mount Carrigain's observation tower. That motivated me to press on to check out the view which promised to be even more interesting. So we dipped down from the ridge, back into the trees, then began the final ascent of Mount Carrigain.
When we reached the summit it was much cooler and windier. From the actual summit the views were somewhat limited as there were still a lot of small evergreens, but climbing to the top of the observation tower rewarded us with unobstructed 360-degree views. The winds were extremely strong and we all bundled up in our warmest clothes to enjoy the spectacular vistas.
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NH Fire Tower Hikes
Mt. Cardigan
Mt. Carrigain
Green Mtn.
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VT Fire Tower Hikes
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Mt. Grace
Driving Directions
From Rt. 112 (Kancamagus Highway), turn onto Bear Notch Road (on the North side of the highway, roughly midway between either end of Kancamagus Highway).
At the end of Bear Notch Road, turn left onto Rt. 302 West.
After approximately 3 miles turn left onto Sawyer River Road (FR 34).
Follow this narrow dirt road for 2 miles and after going over a bridge, turn left into a parking area.
The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road, and on the opposite side of the bridge as the parking area.
Other Notes
A parking permit is required to park at White Mountain National Forest trailheads and parking areas. You can purchase a WMNF permit from the forest service and other vendors and can also pay-by-the-day using self-service kiosks located in many parking areas.
Rates:
$3 per day
$5 for a week-long pass
$20 for a year-long pass
$25 for two year-long passes (one household/two cars)
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