Nancy Carrigain Loop – Hart’s Location, NH

Jerimy 

Jerimy Arnold running through rare loamy singletrack.

Total Distance: 17.8 miles
Elevation Gain: ~5,125 ft
Estimated Time: 4.5 to 7 hours (running pace)
Difficulty: Hard
Route Type: Loop
Start/End Point: Nancy Pond Trailhead (Rt. 302, Hart’s Location, NH)
Best Time to Go: Late spring to early fall
Features: Alpine pond, cascading waterfalls, wilderness singletrack, 360° summit views, ridge-running

Overview

The Nancy Carrigain Loop is a challenging but rewarding mountain route that links the lightly-trafficked Nancy Pond Trail with the more popular summit of Mount Carrigain. This is one of my favorite routes in the Whites because it offers a little bit of everything without being as committing as some of the premiere routes. 

Route Description

Nancy Pond Trail to Norcross Pond (Miles 0–4)

Begin at the Nancy Pond Trailhead along Route 302 or alternatively park at the lot at the entrance to Sawyer River Road and knock out the couple miles on 302 first. The trail climbs steadily through dense forest with good footing and moderate grade. Around mile 2, you'll pass the remains of an old logging camp and shortly after reach Nancy Cascades—an excellent rest and photo spot.

Above the falls, the trail mellows and passes both Nancy Pond and Norcross Pond (it's very wet and grown in along this section). The latter offers a scenic backdrop with Presidential Range views and a quiet alpine setting—arguably the highlight of the loop (it's essentially a giant infinity pool).

Norcross to Carrigain Summit via Desolation Trail (Miles 4–10)

After Norcross Pond, continue on the Nancy Pond trail and descend into one of the most beautiful pieces of trail in the Whites. A loamy evergreen tunnel will take you all the way to the Desolation Trail (Nancy Pond Trail turns into Carrigain Notch Trail), an excellent junction to refill your water and take a snack break. From here, you hit a wall and start your 2,000' climb up the Desolation Trail. It's rugged and slow-going, with tight switchbacks and scrambly sections.

You'll emerge onto Signal Ridge, a narrow open ridgeline that offers expansive views ahead of the Carrigain summit. From here, it’s a short push to the fire tower.

Carrigain Summit to Signal Ridge Trailhead (Miles 10–17.8)

After enjoying the panoramic views from the fire tower, descend via Signal Ridge Trail. The descent is a 2-mile consistent grade that is straightforward. Once off the ridge, it's 2.5 miles back to Sawyer River Road on very runnable trail and 2 miles down Sawyer River Road (dirt) to the Junction of 302. The last stretch on 302 is another 1.3 miles on pavement.

Strava | GPX

View of Signal Ridge from the Fire Tower.