Alright, so this was the first time on a hike, when I didn't cry. That was possible only because this is hands down the prettiest hike I've been to in the New England area. The beauty of this hike, although comes at a cost, it is also one of the toughest hike in the area. After a point, there is a lot of "scrambling up the rocks" and "climbing up the ledges" that you'd have to do. As you keep moving further, the rocks and the ledges keep getting steeper, and so at one point, you are essentially doing a "free-solo".
The length of the hike is 6 miles, and the elevation gain is about 1900 ft. It took us 4 hours to complete the entire trip. The hike is situated at the Appalachian Mountain Club, which is a famous skiing spot among people in winter. So the way up to Mt Cardigan can be done via various routes. You can take the Holt trail (which we took to climb up), or take the Manning Trail (which we took to climb down), or take the Clark Trail via the Cathedral Forest Trail. Naturally all of these options have different lengths, and the smallest route among these is the Holt Trail. However as I already said, it is tough for beginners like me, for the pros, may be not.
Now don't get scared, if you're not up for that kind of venture, then take any of the other above-mentioned routes to get on top of this mountain. However I am fairly new to hiking, and I was able to complete it, without crying. So, I think you can do it too. Although I would not recommend it for children or dogs. Also don't descend down the Holt Trail. Follow the Manning Trail.
So after a mile or so of walking through, what seemed like an enchanted forest, we started encountering big boulders or rocks, which were either naturally carved or placed in a way, so that you can place your foot firmly and then grab the rock above to climb. Each rock, if you find closely, will definitely have a place to place your foot, or will have naturally carved handle which you can grab to pull yourself up. Now initially these climbs are not steep, but they do get steep here and there. However the park rangers have done a good job on making sure that it is safe, like they have placed a wooden but sturdy ladder at one point, they have placed planks or tree trunks to facilitate your climbing, and if you remain focused you can get through.
Soon, we were climbing quite aggressively, and it became difficult to take pictures. However, I cannot describe in words, how good I was feeling, that I was able to let go off my fears and do this. Now see, since I did not use any gears of actual mountain climbing, so you can guess that this isn't that tough. No one is risking their lives here. However at certain points, you do need a focused and patient mind, to try and find out ridges in the rocks, to put your foot in. Also your hiking shoes play a huuu...uuuge role in this. If you don't have proper hiking shoes, you will start slipping on granite rocks. Make sure you have 'em.
The holt trail is about 3 miles to the top of the mountain. The heavy scrambling part lasts for 2 miles, and then you reach the majestic, the bewitching, the gorgeous Mt Cardigan. We celebrated our hard-work and the fact that I didn't cry, by just choosing a spot, on a very busy summit, and simply lying down on the mountain, under the sky.
After this, we ate our sandwiches and ate some gummy bears and bhujiya, and then started climbing down via the Manning Trail, and oh! then comes my most favorite part of the hike.
As we were descending, we stumbled upon a gorgeous patch of land, which looked like a page from a children's fairy tale book. There was a small bed of really unique and extraordinary kind of flowers. They looked like they had been made out of fur!! They were so soft and plushy, and were just trembling slowly in the mountain wind. There was a miniature lake next to it, with the most clear mountain water. You could also see the summit of Mt Cardigan behind you, rising ever so gently. Ahh, this part of the hike, really sent all of us in our zones, in our world.
Here are some of the pictures of that fascinating place
The descend down on the Manning Trail, is very relaxing and alleviating. The descend is gradual, but be careful on the roots. If you have weak knees like me, use a hiking stick, it makes the way down very easy.
For the last 1 mile, the only thought that kept me going was, "I have Cholle waiting for me in my home. I'm going to make some bhatura, and eat like there's no tomorrow."
And I did exactly the same, however the next day. We didn't have that much strength to make anything at home, so we instead visited Painted Burros in Somerville, ate a taco and went home.
The next day we feasted on cholle bhature and crispy aalo!!
This was really, one hell of a hike. I highly recommend all of you to do it. All you need is patience, trust and good hiking shoes. Follow the trail signs, read the warning boards, follow the rules, and don't forget to get spellbound by this mystical hike.
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