MIDDLE AND SOUTH CARTER LOOP HIKE

Due to the weather forecast, we decided to switch the hike for a Belknap Range Traverse! The Belknaps are a small mountain range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. We completed the Belknap Range Traverse which would take us from the parking lot at Gunstock Mountain over Mt. Rowe (1680’), Gunstock Mtn. (2245’), Belknap Mtn. (2382’), Mt. Klem (2001’), Mt. Mack (1945’), Mt. Anna (1670’), Straightback Mtn. (1890’), and Mt. Major (1786’). That is a trip of 12.6 miles with 3,850' of elevation gain!

It was a partly cloudy today, comfortable temperatures in the 60’s, calm wind with minor sprinkles a couple times during our hike. Nonetheless, we had good views. We were eight in total.  This was truly a day to appreciate the mountains that are a gift to us!

We spotted two cars at the Mt. Major trailhead. Our plan was to start at Gunstock Mountain's main parking lot to begin our adventure with the Ridge Trail. After some scouting, we found the Ridge Trail. Not the easiest to find…could use more signage. We should have parked at a secondary parking lot to the right of the Main Lodge.  

After tagging Mt. Rowe we reached the summit of Gunstock Mountain [ski area] with gorgeous views.  There is caution tape on Gunstock Mt around the newly planted grass where they have been doing work all summer, but we were still able to get around for the views though. We continued to Belknap Mountain where there was caution tape around the equipment for the fire tower renovation work. We had to squeeze by the tape to get through to the other side, but not an issue since there were no workers or equipment being used on the weekend.

After Belknap Mountain we encountered an incredible diversity of terrain, offering a day of wonders: ledges and a surprising number of bald open summits making for outstanding views; open forest, mossy woods, mushrooms, ponds and more! After leaving Belknap Mountain, one of the ledges offered us another view of Lake Winnipesauke. We made our way down a steep incline through an extensive rock slide and boulder field.  Rock slabs were wet and took some thought on footing. We stuck to the sides when possible and found dry spots here and there. We eventually reached a beautiful mountain pond, Round Pond, where we had lunch. It was eerily quiet with no signs of bird and wildlife.

We had great camaraderie during our journey with laughter, stories and of course, gossip! What is said in our group, stays in our group…right boys? We climbed up to Mt. Klem with impressive views to the east. We then had a series of ups and downs to tag the summits of Mt. Mack, Anna and Straightback Mountain [that we called Brokeback Mountain…LOL] through a beautiful mix of hardwoods and lots of mushrooms!  Brokeback Mountain had open rock ledges that offered stunning views to the west.

When we reached the Brook Trail, my knee told me I had enough for the day and decided to exit here. Dan’s Achilles were bothering him so he came down with me. The rest of the crew continued up to Mt. Major with several spectacular viewing points looking east to Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains!

Viewing the Belknap Range trek as a walk on ridge underestimates the challenge of climbing up and over eight mountains in 12.6 miles, even if Gunstock, the tallest of them, measures only 2,445 feet. But the effort involved in tromping up, down, and over eight low mountains was definitely worth the sweat and sore knees!

It took us 9 hours at a leisurely pace. At the cars we said our farewells and looked forward to our next adventure in the mountains. John and Dan returned back to our house for a delicious dinner prepared by Jon. I would hope some of you will take the challenge and hike the traverse. It's an experience that we will long remember. Thanks to everyone for joining us on this challenging hike!  

While South Carter summit [4430’] is wooded, the highlight will be the views from the Carter-Moriah Trail before and after the summit of Middle Carter [4610’]! Join us for a loop hike starting from a short road walk from the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail trailhead, taking a Joe Dodge Camp short cut to the Imp Trail, up North Carter Trail, traverse the ridge on the Carter-Moriah Trail, descending back down using the Carter Dome and Nineteen Mile Brook Trail. The hike will be approximately 10.6 miles round trip with around 3800' of elevation gain.

The ascent up the Imp/North Carter trails is a moderate climb through a fir and birch forest. The ridge walk to on the Carter-Moriah Trail to Middle Carter will be rolling terrain over a series of knobs where we’ll have lunch on one of the scenic ledges after the summit of Middle Carter. We’ll then continue across the scrubby ridge, with plank walkways and some short scrambles to the wooded summit of South Carter.

We’ll have a steep drop at first from South Carter but then descend at easy to moderate grades to Zeta Pass. We’ll take a right on the Carter Dome Trail with moderate grades with glimpses up to Carter Dome. We’ll finish our hike with a rolling walk down the scenic Nineteen Mile Brook Trail.

Don't forget to bring wind/rain shell, water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, etc. along with whatever you typically have for a hiking excursion. We’ll have lunch on top of the summit. 

Social Mixer: Following the hike, everyone is welcome back to join us at Mr. Pizza in Gorham for dinner on their outdoor deck along the Ammonoosuc River.   

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night. Its $25 dollars Friday night and $35 Saturday that includes BBQ. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have 4 bunks available so the first 4 guys that contact us to reserve will get one; and let us know which night[s] you’ll be lodging with us. You’re on your own for dinner Friday night but you’re welcome to use our kitchen facilities to cook!