| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Moriah, North Carter, Mt. Lethe, Middle Carter, South Carter, Carter Dome, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Moriah Brook Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Black Angel Trail, Wild River Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, July 5, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at the designated lot for the Wild River Trail just outside of the Wild River campground. The Wild River rd to access this lot off ME 113 is dirt surfaced, gated in winter, and passable by any vehicle. This is also a fee lot ($5 per day or WMNF pass). Privies available (stocked) across from the lot. Of note, there was a warning sign at the start of Wild River rd that said “No potable water at Wild River campground.” |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I did not have to ford the Wild River while heading to the Moriah Brook trail. Many exposed rocks available. Also did not have to ford this same river at the “Spider Bridge” crossing coming off the Black Angel Trail. Many rocks also available here. All other crossings insignificant. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
New blow downs on the Black Angel. One in particular at the higher elevations blocking a limited path over one of the rock ledges. Can we put up an arrow sign or large carin to designate the turn off the old woods road heading down to the Highwater trail junction? I had been here before and knew where to go, but it is potentially easy to miss this turn for a less experienced hiker. New blow downs on Wild River. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Great trails for dogs. They may need help negotiating the steep ledges and chimneys of North Carter. There is also a very short ladder on one of these ledges they may need help with. The Carter-Moriah is totally dry. Plan for any extra water needs. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Grrrr… They are worst in lower elevations. Predominantly black flies with some mosquitos. I had no issues above 3000 feet. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
A fella I encountered lost his blue colored Black Diamond trekking poles near the summit of Middle Carter. I searched the area and did not find them either. I did find a drink bottle that looks a couple of years old… |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
One of my favorite 20+ Mile loops of the Carters.
Route:
Wild River Trail > Moriah Brook Trail > Carter-Moriah (out to Mt Moriah & back) > Carter-Moriah > Carter Dome Trail > Carter-Moriah (out to Carter Dome summit & back) > Black Angel Trail > Wild River Trail > end.
Wild River trail: not blazed, gentle to flat grades. Good footing. No issue following this trail. Great trail just by itself.
Moriah Brook: not blazed save a few faded blue blazes around Moriah Gorge. I barely saw these. Soft footbed, simple to follow. Pay attention in the overgrown sections and you will be able to follow the trail. Nice grades. Mud in parts. I built a carin for one water crossing as it’s hard to see where to go on the other side. The other crossings may benefit from a carin as well. Lots of great backcountry camping spots. Water levels low, but can still fill water bottles at most points.
Carter-Moriah: this is the AT and is blazed in standard white blazes. While traversing to Mt Moriah, there are supplemental carins on the ledges. No water here. The trail heading to North Carter is steep. I mean stupidly steep. Many ledge and chimney scrambles, but no truly treacherous stuff (i.e. no cliffs). It is most certainly easier to ascend this part, but the poor NOBO AT thru hikers have to negotiate it in full packs while descending. I guess it’s New Hampshire’s way of “training” them for Maine… After North Carter the trail chills a bit with some nice views of the Presidentials. Footbed simple to follow. Middle and South Carter summits marked with carins (carin for south is a couple of feet off the trail). No mud. My typical water refill point is a small creek just past the Imp campsite. The creek can be seen from the trail. This water point was abysmal but I was still able to get two liters. Hopefully some rain will come and beef it up.
Carter Dome: I took the small segment of this trail that bypasses Mt Hight. This portion is well blazed in blue. Rough footing. But easier than all the ice I contended with in April.
Black Angel: I’d only ever done this trail once several years ago so I’m glad I came back. Not blazed. Soft footbed with good to moderate footing. Lightly travelled so you will have to pay attention to the trail. Upper portion takes some time to negotiate due to the steepness and awkward boulder scrambles (no cliffs or flat ledges, just tricky rocks). Once down into the pine forest, the grade eases somewhat. The seep in this segment cannot fill water bottles but would be ok for dogs to get a drink. There are three solid running creeks lower down. The trail goes directly over these. Near one of the final creek crossings the grade eases considerably and the woods open up. It is quite beautiful and quiet.
|
|
 | Name: |
Remington34 |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-07-05 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
