Mt Carrigan could be called the Centerpiece of the Pemi-Wilderness. From it's summit you can see most of the NH-48 Peaks. Signal Ridge is a spectacular high ridge climbing gradually above the trees. The summit is treed but a nice platform rises above the foliage, a great place to eat lunch in the sun.
THE TRAILHEADS
Most popular route is ♦Signal Ridge Trail which is on the Sawyer River road (closed in winter) off RT-302 near Crawford Notch. ♦The Carrigan Notch Trail skirts the summit and offers another way to get to the ♦Nancy Pond Trail. There are two somewhat difficult water crossings in the spring or after a heavy rain.
♦Desolation Trail is less popular and seems to hold the snow late into the season. The Trailhead is at the ♦Wilderness Trail (Park at Lincoln Woods on the Kanc.) A longer hike our would be to take the ♦Shoal Pond and Ethan Pond Trails out to Crawford Notch, this would be one long day but in beautiful country!
THE MOUNTAIN
Carrigan dominates Zealand Valley when you look at it from the porch of AMC Zealand Hut. Vose Spur is nearby, a tough bushwhack from what I hear. In winter this is a long day because Sawyer River road is closed making an additional 2 mile road-walk. If I ever finish my winter fours I would like it to be here. I've been lucky on my two visits to the summit, both were beautiful days with expansive views
