Mt. Carrigain Hike

 We will be hiking up to the top of Mt. Carrigain (4680 ft.) via the Signal Ridge Trail, for a 10 mile round trip.  The lower portions of the hike should be a fairly moderate ascent, and at this time of the year will be clear of snow.  As we get to the upper ridges, the trail will get progressively steeper, and with lots of snow still on the ground right up to treeline.  It will be of the wet slushy type, and you are advised to bring gaiters to keep your feet dry.  You might consider bringing snowshoes, or at the very least some stabilizers/yak traks.  The open ridges should be free of snow, but are likely to be chilly, so bring lots of layers to put on and take off as needed.  Bring lots of water, and food, as we will probably have a nice lunch stop on the open ridge below the summit.  The summit itself is forested, but has a nice firetower which offers awesome views of the southern edge of the Presidentials.  There will also be some stream crossings in the "easier" lower sections of the trail, which are likely to be swollen with meltwater, so be prepared (trekking poles, or walking sticks are very helpful in these situations).  Rain will cancel this event.