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.

We will be hiking in winter like conditions with possibly icy trails so MicroSpikes will be needed. Don't forget to bring wind/rain shell, dress in layers with synthetic and fleece/down jacket, hats, gloves, hand warmers, water, lunch, snacks, etc. along with whatever you typically have for a winter hiking excursion. We’ll have lunch on top of the summit. 

Social Mixer: Following the hike, everyone is welcome back to join us for dinner at Red Fox Grill in Jackson, NH.    

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night. Its $25 dollars Friday night and $25 Saturday. 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!  

From I-93, take exit 35 where you will end up on US-3 / N towards Twin Mountain / Lancaster. Continue along for roughly 12 miles and then turn right onto NH 115 N. Continue for 9.6 miles and turn right onto US-2 E / Presidential Hwy. Drive for another 12 miles and make a turn onto Main Street. Drive 1.4 miles and turn NH-16 S / Glen Road. Drive for roughly 6.8 more miles until you reach the parking lot for the Nineteen Mile Brook trailhead. We’ll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.