A loop over the dominant mountains of the Carter Range, with a very steep ascent from Carter Notch Hut.

Over three hours from Boston, we'll be climbing up 4,832 foot Carter Dome and throw in Mt. Hight at 4,675 feet as a bonus.

We can take a short side trip and check out Carter Notch Hut before we begin our very steep ascent.

Terrain: The first 3 miles is an easy, graded terrain. The grade then steepens for the next mile to Carter Notch Hut. This section is highly used because of Carter Notch Hut being open so we could possibly bareboot up to this point. After Carter Notch the crux of the climb begins with a very steep and difficult ascent up 1.2 miles to the summit of Carter Dome. Crampons [not microspikes] and mountaineering ice axe may be needed if icy. Also the area around the summit of Mt. Hight involves a steep section of difficult snowshoeing; and when we cross the exposed and possibly icy summit, crampons again may be needed. Everyone is required to have snowshoes. You can reserve and rent snowshoes from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI, EMS, or from Ski Fanatics off Exit 28 on I-93. At minimum everyone is required to have microspikes but we highly recommend having crampons and an ice axe [we plan on having both microspikes and crampons/ice axe with us]. 

Trail: We will follow Nineteen-Mile Brook trail for 3.8 miles to Carter Notch Hut. We'll then take the very steep climb out of the Notch using the Carter-Moriah trail and after 5 miles we'll reach the summit of Carter Dome. We'll continue on the Carter-Moriah trail for another .8 mile to reach the summit of Mt. Hight that provides the best view in the entire Carter Range. Then there is a very steep and rough descent for 0.4 miles and then more gradual as the trail meets the Carter Dome Trail in Zeta Pass, 1.2 miles from Mt. Hight. We'll descend using the Carter Dome Trail and then hook up with the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail to get back to our cars [3.8 miles from Zeta Pass].  

Time/Distance: Hike time is approximately 8 hours. Round trip distance is 10.2 miles with 3,600 ft. elevation gain. We will take our time to enjoy the views, eat lunch, take pictures and have fun!

Gear List: Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, traction (micropikes, crampons, etc.), snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), ice axe, warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, lunch and snacks, etc. Because the summit of Mt. Hight is very exposed bring goggles and face protection [neck gaiter, balaclave, face mask, etc.]

After The Hike:Bring a change of clothes because after the hike we'll have dinner at the Red Fox Pub in Jackson, NH.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at my house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night for $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email me ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Carpooling: Contact other guys living near you for carpooling. If you are driving up I-93, meet Jon and I off the Exit 28 ramp at the Post Office parking lot for 7:15 A.M.

From North Conway, drive north on NH 16 past Pinkham Notch. The Nineteen Mile Brook traihead is on the right, 3.5 miles north of Pinkham Notch. It's a decent size parking lot and usually has a few vehicles parked. We'll be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.