Summary

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.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

From the junction of Route 302 and Route 16 in Bartlet follow Route 16 north for 15.8 miles to a parking lot on the right side of the road for the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail / Carter AMC Lodge.  Please allow additional time for traffic you may encounter if you approach through the towns of Conway and North Conway.  If traveling from the south it may be better to use Interstate 93 to Route 3, to Route 302 to avoid the Conway area.