Also on this trip

Trails Used

Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a nice loop! There is a cut through at Camp Dodge that goes to the south branch of Imp trail at about a mile in, which can be used to make a loop. Imp trail and North Carter trail climbed steadily the whole way with some minor mud and some sections with running water, but I kept my feet dry without needing to strategically jump around or anything like that. Carter-Moriah trail was in good shape and is very gradual with a couple short and steep pitches and some easy rock scrambles. Carter Dome trail and Nineteen Mile Brook trail are frequently traveled, as are all of these trails, and was very easy to follow. Carter Dome trail had some nice little waterfalls and a couple medium sized brook crossings, but they could be easily rock hopped right at the trail. The worst mud of the day was on Nineteen Mile Brook trail, but that was still easy to avoid or not deep/wet enough to get my feet wet or cause any difficulties. This was the first hike of the year I did not see any or snow or ice all day.

Parking

There were about 8 cars at the Nineteen Mile Brook trailhead at 9:00 and about the same amount at 4:00. This lot can probably hold 15-20 cars.

Water Crossings

There were a couple on Carter Dome trail that could be rock hopped, and the Nineteen Mile Brook crossing has a very nice bridge.

Wildlife

There were some bugs flying around but none that were a nuisance at all.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Road walk, Camp Dodge cut-through, Imp, North Carter, Carter-Moriah, Carter Dome, Nineteen Mile Brook

Trail Conditions

Notes

This is my first trail report on this site, but I use it all the time and thought I should start contributing! I parked at NMB then walked to Camp Dodge and cut up to the Imp Trail, which made for a really nice loop. Some sections of the trails, especially Imp and upper NMB, were very wet, but it was manageable with waterproof boots. I stopped at the Carter Notch hut where there wasn't a soul in sight, but they did have some brownies out for sale, which made it worth the tricky descent to get down there!

Parking

Still plenty of room at the NMB trailhead at 8:15am. Yay for weekdays!

Water Crossings

Nothing significant

Wildlife

Some annoying ones, but not enough to require a head net

Also on this trip

Trails Used

wildcat ridge, carter moriah, stony brook, route 16

Trail Conditions

Notes

It was an amazing weekend to backpack the wildcat carter moriah traverse. The only snow i encountered was between carter dome and hight. Otherwise there was wet rock slab and running water on trail. I had the imp campsite all to myself. No traction was needed.

Water Crossings

All crossable

Wildlife

none

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Appalachian Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, bushwhack back to Lost Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Short version: SEND IT! Night & day from my experience in this range last Friday. Some running water on trails primarily above 2800' but all 1-2" at most. Plenty of washout debris on trails from the waterfall Friday- sticks, leaf piles, logs, etc. but nothing hazardous. Snow hanging on primarily from ascent to Hight through Carter Dome. Some ice but all manageable without the need to pull out micros. Gorgeous day and was able to take my time having done Moriah already off my originally planned day route. Hight is a treat!!!

Water Crossings

All but Ellis River crossable. Ellis River was borderline but reaching at end of hike, opted to head down river. Bridge is available to Pinkham (despite Appalachian signs saying otherwise).

Wildlife

Black flies & deer flies but they were shockingly not being their typical stalker, pestering selves.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pine Mountain Tr, Chapel Rock Spur, Pine Mtn Horton Center Rd, Dolly Copp Rd, Campground Rd, Great Gulf Link, Great Gulf Tr, Route 16, 19 Mile Brook Tr, Carter Moriah Tr, Gorham Roads

Trail Conditions

Notes

The Carter Notch Hut caretaker told me they got 3" of rain in the recent storm. Overall, conditions were extremely wet for most of this route. I'd expect they would be noticeably better by tomorrow, though. Climbing up and over Pine Mountain wasn't too bad, mostly a mix of dry trail, wet trail, and relatively minor mud. The conditions on this part of the day were pretty much as good as I could have realistically expected. The Great Gulf Link and the very short stretch of the Great Gulf Trail were also in pretty good shape. 19 Mile Brook was decent with only a few really wet spots up to the Carter Dome Trail intersection, then between there and the hut I felt like I was climbing up a stream bed. I was able to rock hop pieces of it, but by that point, I mostly just accepted that my feet were going to be very wet all day. Above the hut heading to Carter Dome, the trail was more just damp with a lot less standing or running water. The only real stretch of significant/unavoidable snow I encountered was between the summit of Carter Dome and the intersection of the Carter Dome Trail and the Carter Moriah Trail. There was a fairly consistent monorail for this 0.4 mile stretch that was typically 2-3 feet tall and was often less than 8" wide. Shockingly, I did not posthole once and never felt the need to wear spikes. The Carter Moriah trail heading to Mount Hight and down to Zeta Pass was almost entirely snow free, and not terribly wet. The stretch of trail between Zeta Pass all the way to North Carter was 99% snow free, as well. Descending the north side of North Carter had a few small patches, but they were mostly avoidable. All the rocks were soaked, but I was able to descend safely when I watched my step. Between that ~0.3 mile rough stretch and the summit of Moriah, the conditions were a little better but still quite wet. The first 2.5 miles descending from the summit of Moriah down to Gorham were pretty frustrating with all the wetness and bad footing, but conditions improved dramatically after Mount Surprise. I ended up doing about 27 miles and 8,500' of gain in total. If you want to avoid the worst of the runoff from the storm, I would recommend hitting Pine Mountain. Otherwise, the Carters and Moriah will need a few more days to dry out.

Parking

Plenty of room in the Pine Mountain Trail parking lot on the corner of Railroad St and Church St.

Water Crossings

I don't recall having issues on any water crossings on this route, but to be fair, I think that may be because some of the trails themselves are basically streams at this point.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Aqueduct Loop, Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hiked the Aqueduct Loop from Great Glen and crossed the damn to intercept 19MBT, some minor mud but otherwise very wide and open cushy path. (Map of GG trails can be found on their website). 19MBT and Carter Dome Trail to Zeta Pass is mostly dry with some mud, above the last switch back the trail is becoming severely eroded in spots. Along the ridge over South and Middle Carter is more of the same, dry spots and muddy spots, bog bridges are pretty slick right now so be aware of that. As for Carter Dome, The last 0.4 miles to the summit has raised narrow monorail a few feet deep in places. 90% of the time it was stable, but we each punched through a couple of times. We barebooted up and rocked spiked it down, but you could carefully bare boot down too. Nice afternoon on the Carters, clouds cleared off the summits and had some sweet views of of the Presi's. About a half dozen happy Gridders out and about!

Parking

Plenty of Parking at Great Glen Trails. No overnight parking allowed at this parking lot.

Water Crossings

We easily rock hopped across this afternoon. There is also a downed tree you can walk across when water levels are running high

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Ski Trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Started up the Imp stream which was barebootable all the way up save for one or two short sections. I wanted to get Moriah too today and there was so little snow on Imp I figured I’d give the out-and-back a try rather than climbing all the way back up later. I knew it would be rough in there. Sketchy descent down N Carter, lots of post holing, especially into running water below on the bog bridge sections. This section needs a few more weeks to be enjoyable. Past the campsite was better, and up the Moriah ledges was mostly bare. Once back to the Carters it was narrow monorail until past S Carter where the trail was mostly bare until past Black Angel. Lots of snow up to Carter Dome still. Narrow monorail tough to stay on top of. Same for going down to the notch. Must have taken my spikes on and off a dozen times on the Wildcat Ridge trail. Some cruisy sections, others tricky monorail, and sometimes bare trail. Managed to get a hitch back to 19 mile pretty easily from a Tucks skier. This was a rough day but it felt good to get all these for April and make it halfway to the grid.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cats and Carters

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Traversed from Polecat to Camp Dodge in reverse direction. Down Wildcat A and up Carter Dome. Hard pack and ice conditions were better than previous traverse in February which had unconsolidated snow. Imp trail section (2 miles) particularly challenging. This was the hiker's 4th time doing this trail.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Polecat, Wildcat ridge, 19MB, Carter Dome, Carter- Moriah, North Carter, Imp

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Traverse from Wildcat D to Middle Carter. Started polecat and across the ridge, there was some hard/greyish ice past the summit.. rock spikes pretty much went & stayed on from here. Could get through it with holding on to some friendly trees & taking it slow. Ridge itself was mostly hard monorail. Then coming down Wildcat A had minimal ice in a few sections, just handled similarly to coming from Wildcat D, otherwise hard monorail. Coming up Carter dome was surprisingly bare in a lot of parts, the rock spikes took a good beating here but better than on/ off. Nothing notable, there’s obviously some steep sections, at the time it was hardpacked & firm grip with spikes. Headed to South Carter from the dome, the section between on the way to zeta pass, is your usually ugly section.. there’s stuff to grip onto, that lil monorail may breakdown soon on some warm days/ with rain. Some bare trail between ice.. from zeta pass lots of dry earth, some ice but not as memorable. Ridge between South / middle was a solid grip of hard monorail, then down north Carter/ imp trail was a mess of ice on/off but grey ice so traction was solid.. lower elevation towards camp dodge is a knee beating of bare earth & rock. Thought to carry full crampons & may have used if anything got too soft, snowshoes would have been useless. Long day, but always big bang for buck. Saw other 3 couples out there in spikes. Happy hiking 🥾

Water Crossings

Most of water related business was on imp & it was all iced over

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Nineteen mile brook, zeta pass, Carter Moriah trail, north Carter trail, imp trail, road

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The weather today was *chefs kiss*. We didn’t use traction until almost 3 miles in. Loads of ice - snow shoes were overkill. We encountered an extremely aggressive grouse going up to Carter dome as an fyi. The ice going down north Carter trail to Imp was very thick for extended periods of the trail (traction definitely needed!). We did Imp face which was a delight! Adds a few miles and a lot more fun.

Water Crossings

Water was low enough to rock hop without incident

Also on this trip

Trails Used

19 Mile Brook, Carter Dome, Carter Moriah

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Got an early start (5:30am) today after dealing with the sticky snow on Pierce and Eisenhower yesterday. I wanted to get most of this hike done without having to dig the snow out of my spikes every few steps. 19 Mile Brook was mostly clear with some black ice and ice floes which could be traversed with care. The snow started showing up on Carter Dome Trail, but was relatively minor, at the most 2-3 inches. However, lurking under it, especially up high, were ice floes which had to be carefully traversed. At Zeta Pass, the snow deepened. The monorail on Carter Moriah Trail is stable and the amount of snow is melting every day. The ice on the south side of South Carter is navigable with care, and on the north side of Carter is worse. Going up to North Carter wasn't too icy. The snow didn't get sticky until about 10:30 on the ridge, and descending Carter Dome Trail the icy sections were softening. By the afternoon, 19 Mile Brook Trail had lost a lot of the ice and snow that was there in the morning. With the warming weather, the snow will go fast!

Water Crossings

No problem on the water crossings

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Camp Dodge Cutoff, Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Ski Trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Parked at Wildcat, rode my bike down to Camp Dodge to start the hike. Monorail was very solid all day, it will take quite a warm up or decent snow storm to need snowshoes at this point, but there is a lot of ice out there lurking under the snow. Bare booted in ~1" of new snow through Camp Dodge and up Imp trail for 1.5 miles. At that point, there started to be significant ice flows under the snow so switched to microspikes, which worked well up to Carter-Moriah Trail. Very narrow monorail under ~2-3" of fresh snow keeps you on your toes but microspikes still the way to go. S facing sections started to get slushy which added to the challenge. Some hard ice under the snow in places, especially coming down from S. Carter. Met another hiker near Zeta pass coming back from Carter Dome, he had started up to Hight but turned around as he felt it was a bit sketchy. I was gridding out the Carters today, and it was a clear/no wind day so I wanted to give it a shot and the climb ended up being not bad...packed monorail but not icy and my microspikes held well. I've been fortunate to have some great days on Hight and it is one of the best peaks in the Whites on a clear day. More elevated monorail from Hight back to Carter Dome trail and up to Carter Dome. Still crazy amounts of snow which means you get views you won't get in the summer as you can see over the scrub. Coming down from Carter Dome to the Notch had a lot of Slushy Side Slope of Doom. Spikes were balling up, but they were necessary with the new snow on top of the side slope. The steep section down into the notch after the lookout had enough rocks that you could mostly downclimb, but there is still enough ice that whatever your best traction is, you will be glad you have it. Crampons and an ice axe wouldn't be crazy. Heading up Wildcat Ridge Trail from the Notch was more Side Slope Shenanigans...mostly grippy with microspikes but you would not be sad with crampons...there are sections with solid ice under the snow which could become very exciting quickly if not careful. Once I got to A I was glad to see a lot of people had done an out/back from the ski area and the trail was pretty broken in (the ski area was closed Mon-Thurs this week, so people could climb/descend the trails all day as opposed to the usual "not when the lifts are operating". I didn't get to the ski trails until 4:15pm, so it didn't help me. Remembered to retrieve my bike down at Camp Dodge, one of these days I'm going to forget!

Parking

Parked at Wildcat, road a bike down to Camp Dodge. Shoulders a bit icy this AM so rode in travel lane and pulled over whenever a car came by...still beats walking.

Water Crossings

Walked across the pond in Carter Notch if that counts...

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Camp Dodge Cutoff, Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We started in bare boots as the trail was mostly bare down low. About 1 mile up the Imp trail we put on spikes for Steve and Hillsound Pros for me. The ice is mild initially but progresses to some pretty impressive ice bulges that had us both staring in awe of them. Fortunately the temps were warm enough that most were grippy but as we got higher up the the temps dropped the ice got pretty bullet proof in spots. We used trees and some creative moves to stay upright. There is a defined monorail up high that requires some balancing. The descent off South Carter was icy and tricky because it has begun to snow in earnest by then which covered up all the ice - we still found it. The ascent and descent of Carter Dome was tedious. The monorail is narrow and on a steep sidehill. The flatter section downhill is all hard ice. I balanced on the monorail while the trees on the side pushed me sideways and dumped snow down my side and neck but when I tried to walk on the flatter section I had no traction even with Hillsound Pros. We both stayed upright but it was a slow ascent and the descent was worse with even more snow filling in our tracks and covering the ice. All said this was a great day to offer grid support to a good friend so no regrets there. April is character building for sure. We got it done and were in great spirits and returned to our cars in one piece.

Parking

Plenty of room when we arrived and the lot was clear of snow and ice

Water Crossings

With careful foot placement we were able to rock hop across the 2 larger crossings on the Carter Dome trail.

Wildlife

Still in Hell

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Carter-Moriah Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

10-mile hike with group including friend Lauren and her dog Brutus. Significant ice at higher elevations requiring spikes for much of the hike. Spikes removed later during descent as conditions improved to bare ground. Overcast conditions with light snow flurries. Hikers passed through Zeta Pass and North Carter. Blue iPhone, glove, and water bottle found at trailhead to be posted on Lost and Found in White Mountains Facebook page.

Water Crossings

Dog (Brutus) managed water crossing and trail challenges well

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter Moriah Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

First 1.8 miles to Carter Dome junction is mostly bare ground with some easily avoidable icy spots, bare boots are fine. Between the junction and Carter Notch, rock spikes work best for now, half the trail has running water that has undermined the snow and ice, and the other half is a foot or two of snow, which was solid on Sunday morning. Wildcat Ridge Trail to A Peak is snow with a few icy spots, some side-hilling going on. I went up in my rock spikes, but put on sharper ones for the descent. Carter Notch to Carter Dome starts with bare ground and ice in between rocks. I kept my sharper spikes on and walk up the ice, but rock spikes and hoppingfrom rock to rock through the steeps would be fine too. Afterthe outlook, it becomes more snow than ice. The trailwas firm,but it was a bumpy ride. Carter Dome to Zeta Pass begins with some impressive old rotting snow drifts. As it gets warmer,expect to sink to your knees/waist coming off the summit. Between the two junctionsfor Hight, there is an annoying but firm, for now, side hill, anywhere from a foot to three feet above the ground. Zeta Pass to Middle and South Carter has some bare ground, ice, and snow. Rock spikes work best. Carter Dome Trail descending from Zeta Pass is an ice flow for the first 0.25 miles until 3600'. Pretty impressive and slow going. Below 3600' it's mostly bare ground with some ice flows around drainages, which can all be tiptoed around with care. Below the water crossing, there's a little more ice in the trail, but it's not too difficult and was soft by late morning. Bring your rock spikes and patience if hiking the Cats and Carters over the next few weeks, expect slippery conditions!

Parking

Quiet day at Nineteen-Mile Brook Trailhead. three cars at 7am and about ten at 12PM

Water Crossings

The minor crossing on Carter Dome Trail can be rock hopped. The crossing just below the switchbacks can be rock hopped with care, or you can cross on an elevated log.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

19Mile Brook, Carter Moriah, Carter Dome trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

19Mile Brook was ice and bare rock all the way to the hut. And mostly melted or slush on the way back down late in the day. Plenty of water and mud and wet leaves on this trail. Headed up to Carter Dome from the hut, we put on snowshoes for some deeper, soft, slippery snow and kept them on to Middle Carter and back to Carter Dome Trail. Everyone else out there had on spikes and leaving lots of post holes. Snow was just deep enough that I’m glad I had snowshoes. Spikes down Carter Dome trail and back to the car. Trail was narrow in spots between Carter Dome and South Carter, where snowshoes made it a little tricky, but was not going to switch traction.

Parking

Easy parking

Water Crossings

Rock hopping on the Carter Dome Trail with melting ice

Wildlife

Not yet

Also on this trip

Trails Used

19Mile Brook, Carter Moriah, Carter Dome trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

19Mile Brook was ice and bare rock all the way to the hut. And mostly melted or slush on the way back down late in the day. Plenty of water and mud and wet leaves on this trail. Headed up to Carter Dome from the hut, we put on snowshoes for some deeper, soft, slippery snow and kept them on to Middle Carter and back to Carter Dome Trail. Everyone else out there had on spikes and leaving lots of post holes. Snow was just deep enough that I’m glad I had snowshoes. Spikes down Carter Dome trail and back to the car. Trail was narrow in spots between Carter Dome and South Carter, where snowshoes made it a little tricky, but was not going to switch traction.

Parking

Easy parking

Water Crossings

Rock hopping on the Carter Dome Trail with melting ice

Wildlife

Not yet

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Nineteen Mile Brook, Carter Dome Trail, Carter Moriah, North Carter Trail, Imp Trail, Dodge Cut off

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Surprisingly good conditions meant the snowshoes went for a ride and I kept the spikes on from the Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead until just before the turn off to Camp Dodge. It was crunchy ice down low, then a combo of ice and 2" of powder up high. Was lucky enough to join up with a few college hikers who did a good job of breaking out the tiny amount of drift and chopping up the trail in the best possible way. Exchanged their efforts for a guided trip out via Imp rather than backtracking to Zeta. All in all, very nice conditions for March. Post holes could be counted on one hand.

Parking

Plenty of parking at 19MB trailhead all day.

Water Crossings

All are bridged, but some of those bridges are starting to collapse. Proceed with caution.

Wildlife

None :)

Also on this trip

Trails Used

19-mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, North Carter Trail, Imp Trail, Camp Dodge cutoff

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

19-mile Brook Trail was hard-packed the whole way, and the river-crossing was very manageable. Snow became more powdery as we approached South Carter. The pass was not broken out at all. Our leader broke it in with snowshoes. We owe him many beers. I was convinced to leave my own in the car--a mistake I deeply regret. In case anyone is tempted to do the same--you need snowshoes between South and Middle Carter, pretty much all the way until the North Carter descent. The Imp trail is currently very patchy, with lots of melting snow and piles of leaves. This makes it hard to follow, and I wouldn't want to do it at night at the moment. The Camp Dodge cutoff is definitely not obvious right now. We would have missed it if someone's Garmin hadn't beeped. If it's helpful to anyone, there's a yellow blaze on the Imp right at the left turnoff. Other than that, we had an excellent day. Very few people were hiking this loop. The temperature was cold and the peaks were breezy. We couldn't ask for better views.

Parking

Lot still had spaces at 9:30 AM

Water Crossings

Hoppable, with care. Watch for unstable snow bridges.

Wildlife

None