What are the main hiking routes to Mount Carrigain?

The main routes to Mount Carrigain include Signal Ridge Trail - out & back., Desolation Trail - steep ascent, via Carrigain Notch loop..

How difficult is hiking Mount Carrigain?

Mount Carrigain is rated Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Mount Carrigain?

Typically, hiking Mount Carrigain takes 6–8 hours - out-and-back..

Back to NH48 Peak Catalog

Mount Carrigain

Moderate grade through forest, then steep switchbacks; open ridge with some rock underfoot near summit

Prominence: 2240 ft Range: Pemigewasset Wilderness - Carrigain.

Units

Elevation: 4,700 ft

Mount Carrigain - Captured on a cold December morning, this landscape photograph showcases the serene beauty of Mount Carrigain in the White Mountains. Snow blankets the dense forest trails and ridge lines, while the crisp air and clear sky reveal the mountain's textured summit. This scene epitomizes winter hiking conditions and mountain weather typical of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. - NH48 — Captured on a cold December morning, this landscape photograph showcases the serene beauty of Mount Carrigain in the White Mountains. Snow blankets the dense forest trails and ridge lines, while the crisp air and clear sky reveal the mountain's textured summit. This scene epitomizes winter hiking conditions and mountain weather typical of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest.

Overview

Moderate grade through forest, then steep switchbacks; open ridge with some rock underfoot near summit

Standard Routes

Signal Ridge Trail - out & back. — 10.0 mi • 3,250 ft gain • Out & back • Difficult
Desolation Trail - steep ascent, via Carrigain Notch loop. — 13.5 mi • ~3,300 ft gain • Loop - Carrigain Notch Trail + Desolation + Signal Ridge. • Very difficult

Monthly Weather Averages

Climate context

Monthly climatology baseline near this summit elevation.

Related Trails & Routes

Carrigain Notch Loop route

Parking & Access

Loading parking and access guidance...

Difficulty Metrics

Loading difficulty metrics...

Risk & Preparation

Loading risk and preparation guidance...

Wilderness Safety

Data TBD for this route.

Trail & Terrain

Loading terrain details...

Conditions & Access

Loading current conditions...

Photo gallery

Mount Carrigain - This landscape photograph captures Mount Carrigain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a summer sunset. The scene highlights the mountain's broad, forested slopes beneath a sky filled with scattered clouds, casting varied shadows across the ridge lines. The peaceful atmosphere evokes the quiet end of a hiking day in the White Mountain National Forest, showcasing the interplay of light and mountain weather typical of the region. - NH48 — Evening Shadows over Mount Carrigain
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/7.1 | 1/320 sec | ISO 100`

Mount Carrigain - This landscape photography captures Mount Carrigain's expansive forest trail and ridge line during mid-autumn in the White Mountains. The subdued mountain weather creates a calm atmosphere with diffused light highlighting the evergreen canopy. The view offers a peaceful perspective of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, inviting hikers to explore the tranquil summit views. - NH48 — Afternoon Shadows on Mount Carrigain Ridge
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/7.1 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200`

Mount Carrigain - Captured in the heart of fall, this landscape photography highlights Mount Carrigain's expansive tree-covered summit and ridge line within New Hampshire's White Mountains. The midday sun illuminates the mountain weather with soft shadows, emphasizing the rich greens and emerging autumn tones of the White Mountain National Forest. The scene offers a tranquil view for hikers and nature lovers exploring this granite-rich region. - NH48 — Midday Summit Canopy on Mount Carrigain
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/6.3 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200`

Silent Blue Haze over Mount Carrigain

Canon EOS 5DS R | 1/250 sec | ISO 3200

Trail-tested notes

Experience summary

I built this guide around field photography sessions on Mount Carrigain in Pemigewasset Wilderness - Carrigain.. Mount Carrigain is a 4,700-foot mountain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, located in Grafton County.

Conditions from experience

Summer and fall - Tower views best on clear days; Sawyer River Road closed in winter. Medium - exposed ridge and tower; can be windy, but much of trail is in woods.

Planning tip

Signal Ridge Trail - out & back. - 10.0 - 3,250 - Difficult - Out & back Yes - Whiteface Brook near trail start; small streams along lower Signal Ridge Trail. Small lot off Sawyer River Road - road is gated in winter ~2 miles from trailhead.

Last reviewed: 2026-02-14