Mt. Carrigain Hike

After enduring a night of downpours while camping out at the Crawford Notch Campground in Harts Location, Tim and I broke camp and drove over to the Sawyer River Road trailhead in Bartlett.  When we arrived it was still raining and the skies were overcast and gray.  We waited for one of the other participants.  When he didn't show, we discussed, whether to do the hike.  We decided we'd do it another day, but as we drove back down the road the rain stopped and the sun came out, so we turned around and headed back to the parking lot.  It was just before 9AM by this time and we quickly got ready and headed up the Signal Ridge Trail.

This trail was modest in grade...very gradual or flat for alot of the way out to the junction with Carrigain Notch.  We reached this junction at 9:50 and after this point the trail proceeded at a slightly steeper and persistent grade using a series of switch-backs.  The trail was rockier than I remembered though.  After hiking the day before we took more periodic short breaks.  Along the way there was an opening with eastward views, as well as partial views of Vose Spur through the trees.  Just before noon we emerged from the woods and onto the Signal Ridge, where it opened up quickly.  Luckily we hit it just right, since the summit was visible and there were wonderful views into the surrounding wilderness...clearer to the south and east...the clouds were low over the Presidential Range.  We continued the ridge traverse where the trail descended back into the woods prior to the climbing the summit, which we reached by 12:30PM.  It was cold and very windy, particularly on top of the viewing tower.  Tim had a thermometer, which had read between 46F on the way up to 50F near the summit.  The views were pretty good during our time on the summit tower, but the clouds started to approach the summit just as we had started to descend.  We decided we would have our light lunch/snack in the woods on the way back, so we found a spot where we could sit and rest on the way back to the ridge.  After our short lunch break we were back on the Signal Ridge by 1PM (it was cloudier now) and shortly thereafter we began to descend the mountain via the same path we had ascended.  We made good time and were back to the parking lot by 3:45PM.

Afterwards, we packed up and headed to Matty B's in Bartlett to share a pizza before calling it a day and weekend.  This was a fun hike with Tim and I appreciated his company for both this hike and for the entire weekend...the hike on Moriah the day before and camping through the rain!  What a trooper...putting up with me for two days, camping in less than ideal conditions and for the ambitious 23-mile weekend he did!  Big thanks, Tim!

Join me for the 10 mile hike up the distinctively-humped Mount Carrigain (4700') via the Signal Ridge.  Despite the 3300-foot elevation gain this trail mostly follows the old access route to the former summit fire tower (now an elevated viewing platform) and its grades are relatively moderate.  There are great panoramic views from the ridge and summit tower...in fact, on a good day 43 other 4000-footers in the Whites can be seen from its peak. 

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear.   Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area. 

Camping Option:  I will be camping on Saturday.  If anyone is interested in joining me, please contact me or leave a comment when signing up.