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Mount Carrigain route via Signal Ridge Trail

based on 220 tracks & routes #60 hike out of 703 in
10.1 mi
Distance
4 hrs 55 min
Time
terrain
3,245 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

The Signal Ridge Trail is a 5.2 one way hike to the summit, Mount Carrigain is often saved for last on the New England 4000 Footers list due to its height but moderate trail and of course its huge tower at the summit that gives this mountain the most viewable peaks in all the white mountains tied with Mount Washington, the tallest in the North East.

Trail Details: coming off of Sawyer River Road (closed in winter) the trail remains almost completely flat for the first two miles staying close to the Carrigain Brook. the trail begins to ascend quickly after passing the Carrigain Notch Trail. the remaining 3.2 miles become increasingly steeper and remain that way for about 2.7 miles when you reach your first major clearing. at this point to the right of you will be a breathtaking view of the presidential mountains with Mount Washington on the forefront. looking back ahead, the summit tower is clearly visible from about a half mile away. this reaming portion of the trail is relatively less steep until just before the summit, which has a decently steep grade to it. walking onto the partially tree covered peak almost completely obstructed by the supports for the tower, you can go around to the back side for the staircase or use one of its support legs as a stool to take in the summit. as you climb up to the top of the tower (which is the true prize of the climb) you finally get arguably the best view in all the white mountains. from this spot you can see 43 of the 48 White Mountain 4000 Footers and countless other peaks for hundreds of acers of land.

Getting Started

The trailhead is 2 miles down Sawyer River Road from route 302 on the right hand side. the parking area is on the left.

Taking Children

At just over 10 miles round trip this might not be the best trail for small children, but might be good for older kids or teens that can handle the mileage and steeper terrain.


Sights to See


    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    3 years, 2 months ago
    (Hiked 8/27/21. Not sure why the date of the review is 2019) First 2 miles are warm up. It gets very steep after that & stays steep pretty much all the way to the top. The views are worth the work though
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 5 months ago
    The trail wasn’t well marked was using navigation as much as possible due to no markings and the path was hard to see in some points , if better marked would of been an awesome walk. Also at the signal sign up the dirt road where it explains Carrigan mt there is a bears den only a few steps in the woods , would recommend forest ranger to inspect if it’s vacant or not before letting hikers on the path don’t believe everyone carries bear spray for protection.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile stars
    5 years, 2 months ago
    Very straight forward style climb, no technique needed. One natural lookout before summit and a tower at the summit.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    1 year, 2 months ago
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    1 year, 3 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    2 years, 2 months ago

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    3 years, 3 months ago

    user_profile
    5 years, 1 month ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years, 2 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years, 2 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


Public Tracks

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anneliese.worster 5 years ago
Carrigan
Note that the trail gets confusing where you can see our spur and reverse at about 2 miles. Then we continued and found the boards at the purple icon where the sign was that said Carrigan and the split with notch trail. This was confusing. Thanks
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