1.0 OverviewMount Cardigan, located about 4 miles east of Canaan, NH, rises to an elevation of 3155 feet. Although it is not too tall in comparison with other peaks in the White Mountains to the north, Mt. Cardigan is situated in such a way that it frequently experiences extremely high winds and considerable snow and ice accumulation on its exposed, bare rock summit. Mt Cardigan offers us the opportunity to practice for winter alpine conditions without the commitment of a major peak.
This outing will offer scouts of all experience levels to get an early taste of winter camping. We will hike in from New Colony Road, lighten packs at the campsite and then explore the upper reaches of Orange Cove all the way to Cilley's Cave. This outing will serve as an introduction to colder weather than usual summer camping. It isn't really winter yet, but it should get frosty at night. It will provide advancement opportunities for the tenderfoot, second class, and first class hiking and camping requirements and for hiking and camping merit badges. 2.0 Concept2.1 DescriptionWe will start on the logging road at the end of New Colony Road in Orange and will hike about a mile to the pond and find the campsite on the south side of the pond. Here we will leave camping gear and proceed with hiking gear up the cove as far as we can comfortably go considering time, energy, and interest. A good goal is Cilley's Cave.We will use the hike as an opportunity to learn and practice map and compass navigation. In the morning, we will hike out to New Colony Road to our cars or for pickup. 2.2 Schedule of EventsSaturday 22 Oct0830 -- Meet at Community Center 0845 -- Depart 0930 -- Arrive at trailhead. 1015 -- Arrive at campsite. Repack into dayhike gear. 1045 -- Hike to Cilley's Cave area. Navigation activities enroute. 1200 -- Lunch. 1300 -- Training activities and exploration. 1600 -- Arrive at camp. 1730 -- Dinner 1750 -- Sunset 1800 -- Evening activities depending on weather. (Campfire possible if we get a permit) 2100 -- Bed Sunday 23 Oct 0710 -- Sunrise 0730 -- Breakfast 0830 -- Break camp. Police and pickup. 1000 -- Arrive at trailhead (New Colony Rd) 1100 -- Arrive Hanover (Community Center) 2.3 Expected Conditions and DifficultyThe campsite is in a forested location with easy access to water. The approach from New Colony Road is over logging roads.Late October will probably not bring true winter conditions, but the weather is extremely changeable, so be prepared for the cold-wet-windy environment. 2.4 Special RequirementsOpen to all Boy Scouts, Scouters, and parents. There are no skill prerequisites.3.0 Administration and Logistics3.1 Announcement Date: 7 Sep 083.2 Roster Closing Date: 19 Oct 083.3 CostsNone.3.4 Equipment3.4.1 Individual Equipment3.4.2 Patrol EquipmentEach patrol needs3.4.3 Troop EquipmentSee breakdown by patrol.3.5 Transportation PlanDrop-off Point: Community CenterDrop-off Time: 0830 Sat 22 Oct 11 Pick-up Point: Community Center Pick-up Time: 1100 Sun 23 Oct 11 Outbound. All cars leave from community center Saturday morning (approx 0845) to the parking lot past the end of New Colony Road. Participating leaders (Brown, Smith) will leave cars at New Colony Road, available for emergencies. Inbound. Sunday morning (1000) all drivers will rendezous at New Colony Road to pick up the troop and transport to the community center.
Driving Directions: Approved YJB 20Oct11
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Although camping is prohibited on most areas of Mt Cardigan, camping is permitted in the Mt Cardigan State Forest lands in Orange Cove north of Firescrew. Orange Cove is the drainage of Number Seven Brook, which flows from the saddle between Firescrew and Mowglis Mountain. There is a pond in Orange cove which offers a very nice campsite easily accessed from the end of New Colony Rd.