South Carter Mt. and Middle Carter Mt.

Five of us met at the parking area off of Route 16 on a beautiful blue sky day with a moderate temperature.  We had one chronic no show and two other hikers who tried to make it, but ran into some navigation issues.

We hit the trail after spotting a vehicle a mile up the road where we intended to finish.  Our hike up to the first summit started off with a light incline for a few miles which gave an opportunity to warm up the muscles.  Almost the entire assent was along the side of rolling mountain streams.

Our traverse between the two summits was the reward for the hike.  Sub-alpine forest alternately broke open to various views into the mountains of Maine, then to the Presidential Peaks in New Hampshire.  We even had an occasional panoramic view.

The hike down was very steady and long on a trail which needed brushing back and was quite wet in some locations.  We did notice many discrepancies in the mileage and trail names posted on the junction signs.  There were also many mismatches between what the signs stated and what was published within the AMC guidebook we used.  But, this only added up to a few tenths of a mile difference and an occasional bemuse.

Overall we had a great hike on a perfect day with some great people.

Join us for an 11 mile hike which will summit South Carter Mountain (4430ft.) and Middle Carter Mountain (4610ft.), two 4K Footers in the White Mountains National Forest.

• Start Time: 10:00am
• Estimated Duration: greater than 7.5 hours (varies with group)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Length: 11 miles (plus 1.1 mile pavement walk between trailheads)
• Elevation Gain: 3500 feet

We are planning to start on the steady Nineteen Mile Brook Trail then turn onto the Carter Dome Trail which has a steady and moderate grade.  We will then follow the Carter-Moriah Trail which runs along the ridge line of S. Carter Mt. and Middle Carter Mtn., summiting both peaks.  To return we will use the N. Carter Trail and Imp Trail.  If we do not spot vehicles there will be an additional 1.1 mile walk which is a slight downhill along Route 16 to the starting trailhead.

Please bring a lunch, energy snacks, and plenty of water.  I will be carrying at least two liters for myself.  Sturdy footwear will be required, no sneakers.  Consider testing your equipment and fitness status to prepare for this long hike.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Local stay options:  Since we will be hosting a moderate hike the day after this trip we are planning to stay locally Friday night and Saturday night at the White Birches Campground in Gorham which is 9 miles from the trailhead.  If you decide to stay overnight at this campground you will be responsible for your own reservations/site, but we can meet up for a casual campfire/social each evening.  There are also several hotels and a National Forest campground nearby.