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The Vistamont Trail leads from the Cathedral Forest Trail near its beginning to the Skyland Trail near the summit of Mount Gilman (called Orange Mountain on the USGS map), a ledgy summit which is generally ignored because it is so close to impressive Mount Cardigan. This trail can be used for a variety of long loops over Mount Cardigan and for several short loops south of it. It is less well travelled and more overgrown and rougher than the popular trails.
Distance: From Cathedral Forest Trail to Skyland Trail, about 1.4 miles one-way
From Cardigan Lodge to Cardigan summit also using Holt, Skyland and West Ridge Trails, about 4.2 miles one-way
Elevation gain: From Cathedral Forest Trail to Skyland Trail, about 1100 feet (200 feet in reverse direction)
From Cardigan Lodge to Cardigan summit also using Holt, Skyland and West Ridge Trails, about 2100 feet (600 feet in reverse direction)
Maps:
USGS Mount Cardigan
AMC Mt. Cardigan
Map Notes: The USGS map shows mostly ski trails and not hiking trails (including this one) on the E side of Mount Cardigan. For trail locations, use the AMC map.
Location: Lakes Region
NH 2008-2009 map K-5
DeLorme NHA&G 34-A6 - Alexandria/Orange
Alexandria is on the W side of Newfound Lake, reached by Exit 23 of I-93
Lower End: Cathedral Forest Trail about 1.2 miles from AMC Cardigan Lodge, elevation about 1800 feet
Far End: Skyland Trail, elevation about 2650 feet
Owner: state
Maintainer: Appalachian Mountain Club
Special regulations: No camping except official campsites
Take the Holt Trail from the AMC Lodge, which is the obvious woods road, then at 1.1 miles turn L on the Cathedral Forest Trail (may be signed as Holt-Clark Cutoff). The Vistamont Trail leaves L in about .1 mile and begins to climb gradually to the ridge between Bailey Brook and Clark Brook. The trail levels off near the ridgetop and crosses the Clark Trail at .5 miles. After another level section, the trail descends .2 miles to cross a brook then climbs more steeply with switchbacks and open rock slabs to the junction with the Skyland Trail at 1.4 miles. The summit of Mt Gilman/Orange Mtn is about 100 yards to the R, but the junction may give a better view N.
To Mount Cardigan summit: Go R on the Skyland Trail, descending to col and climbing to Rimrock at about 1 mile. Either continue on Skyland Trail to West Ridge Trail and follow that to summit, or else go R on South Ridge Trail to fire warden's cabin and follow Clark Trail to the summit.
Trail very slippery when wet or icy.
Parking lot plowed in winter.
Road to AMC lodge plowed by town, but low priority after storms.
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