My Extravagant Adventure to Cardigan Mountain

By Gemma R.

Green Group D1B3

September 19, 20, 21 2021

Where is Cardigan?

Cardigan Mountain is located at 43 degrees, 39 minutes, 13.88 seconds N; 071 degrees, 54 minutes, 29.13 seconds W; in Alexandria, New Hampshire, USA, which is seven minutes northeast of Bristol, New Hampshire. If you were to climb the mountain and look around you, you would find lots of tall trees, rocks of all sizes, and a variety of plants. At the base of the mountain, there is a large lodge where guests can stay during their time at Cardigan. Southeast of the lodge, there is an array of solar panels that are used to give electricity to the buildings in the immediate area. You can see the mountain from the lodge and you can see the lodge from the mountain!

What was it like?

When you first drive up to the AMC Lodge at Cardigan Mountain, you will see the cars that belong to the people who are at the mountain at the moment. There are also trees, solar panels, and, of course, the lodge itself. The lodge is big and white, with a lot of windows on the front. When you walk on the trails near Welton Falls and when you are climbing the mountain, you can see different kinds of footprints from the people who had walked there before you. You might also see some trash that is littered around the trails and forests. At Welton Falls, there are these poles that hold up long pieces of thick wire that you can hold onto while walking around the falls. At the top of Cardigan, there is a firetower that was made by people many years ago. All of the signs and campsites that are placed around the mountain were all put there by people.

When you walk through the forest that lines the trail to the top of Firescrew mountain, you will see all kinds of trees around you. There will also be a few campsites, some rushing streams and brooks, and signs that will guide you through your hike. The air is warm and a little windy as you walk through the woods. There are lots of roots, sticks, and rocks on the trail as you hike. The further up you go, the rockier and steeper it gets. There are a lot of slippery rocks and vines that you can hold onto while climbing. Once you get to the first peak of the mountain, the trees will start to get smaller and smaller as you go up further. Then there will be more slippery rocks and shorter trees around you. At the top of Firescrew, there is a beautiful view of the whole area, there is also a mossy bog and some small plants. The air is cool and very windy when you are sitting at the top.

We were there for three days, day 1, day 2, and day 3.