Carter Dome is located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Standing at 4,832 feet, it is the 9th highest peak in NH. Part of the Carter Moriah range, it sits just East of the Northern Presidentials. Though the peak of Carter Dome doesn’t have incredible views, the view of carter notch is gorgeous, and Mount Hight only a short distance away offers some of the best views in NH. Mount Hight features 360 degree views of the northern presidentials, the Carter Moriah range, and views eastward towards Maine. It is also along the Appalachian Trail.
Elevation: 4,832 Feet (1,472.8 meters)
Rating: Difficult
Distance: 10.2 miles roundtrip (16.42 km)
Location: Bean’s Purchase, NH
Hike Time: 5-8 Hours
Mountain Range: Carter-Moriah Range
Trails for Carter Dome
Nineteen Mile Brook Trail
5 miles to the summit of Carter Dome
The trail is 1.9 miles to Carter Dome Trail Junction, and 3.8 miles to Carter Lakes and Carter Notch Hut
From Carter Lakes
The Carter-Moriah Trail (Part of AT) is a 1.2 mile stretch to the summit of Carter Dome. Hikers can choose to hike to Mount Hight (Highly recommended due to the amazing 360 degree views. It is only .8 miles away from the summit of Carter Dome, and only a couple hundred feet of elevation difference.
Carter Dome Trail
From Mount Hight a short .4 mile section of trail connects to the Carter Dome Trail. The trail then continues 1.9 miles back to the Nineteen Mile Brook trail where you hike back out to the parking area.
This planned trip totals 10.2 miles
Trail Map
Map courtesy of 4000footers.com
Camping Trips
There are a couple great well used tent spots along the ridge between Carter Dome and Mount Hight that are perfect for 2 person or 1 person tents.
Many prefer the comforts of the AMC Huts, and Carter Notch Hut is a great spot. You can read about the AMC Huts here: http://www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/huts/carter/
Winter Hiking Carter Dome
Directions
Parking located of Rt 16 very shortly after Glen House on the Northbound side of the road. There is plenty of overflow parking on the side of the road as well. This trailhead is for the Nineteen Mile Brook trail, which leads all the way to Carter Notch where hikers can choose to camp at the Carter Notch AMC hut, continue on to Carter Dome, or hike up to Wildcat.
Alternate Routes
Wildcat Mountain is a great alternative to Carter Dome. It can be accessed from the same trailhead by simply heading in the other direction once you reach Carter Lakes. South Carter and Middle Carter are nearby the summit of Mount Hight, making them reachable for a longer day hike, or great options for overnights. The Carter Moriah range is great for a long day hike, or an overnight.
Nearby Hikes
The view of Washington from Mount Hight is incredible. You’ll probably want to head across Pinkham Notch to go straight there. This hike is often combined with the Wildcats, or with Middle Carter and Mount Moriah.
Weather Forecast
Gorham, NH
Overnight
Clear, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -21. Northwest wind 45 to 50 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph.
Friday
Snow likely after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 25. Wind chill values as low as -20. West wind 20 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Friday Night
Snow before 5am, then rain and snow likely. Cloudy. Low around 23, with temperatures rising to around 32 overnight. Southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday
Rain before 2pm, then rain showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Southwest wind 20 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night
A chance of rain showers before 10pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Northwest wind 35 to 60 mph, with gusts as high as 75 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Sunday
A chance of snow showers before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 19. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about