| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Middle Carter, South Carter, Carter Dome, NH |
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 | Trails: |
NH 16, Camp Dodge Cutoff, Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter Moriah Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 30, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
19MB trailhead had lots of space when I arrived at 630am, and was full with cars parked down both sides of rte 16 when I returned at 1pm. Saturday shenanigans! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There are two log bridges on 19MB above the Carter Dome junction. The first one still has 3 logs but one is completely broken and a second is sketchy. The third log is solid. The second one is down to just one log (it had two last winter but one was a bit sketchy). These single log crossings are going to be super fun in snowshoes. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Imp has a difficult duck under at 3000’ (nope, I am not making that up).
North Carter has the same leaners that it had last winter.
C-M Trail from North Carter junction to Zeta. What to say? This poor trail collects blowdowns like peak baggers collect peaks. There is nothing really obstructing but there are a lot of stepovers scattered along the whole route that I was on.
Zeta Pass. I don’t understand this shortcut that developed last winter. It cuts maybe 30’ off the trail. This herd path is starting to look like the actual trail, which is sad.
Carter Dome Trail between Zeta and Carter Dome - thank you to whoever took care of one of the difficult leaners from last winter!
C-M from Carter Dome to 19MB. So there are 3 problems. Two are duck unders (and one is really difficult to get under despite the fact that it’s been roughly delimbed). The third is a stepover that has a new appearing herd path around it. The duck unders are both at least 18”; the step over is about 6”. All 3 of these are above the view spur path.
19MB surprisingly has a new giant stepover. That wasn’t there when I hiked this in the spring. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a few. |
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 | Bugs: |
Weirdly there are a gazillion but I am happy to report that they were all buzz, no bite. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nope. Nada. |
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 | Comments: |
I hiked the loop clockwise: parked at 19MB, road walk, Joe Dodge Cutoff, Imp, North Carter, C-M over both Middle and South, then Carter Dome Trail to Carter Dome. Then C-M down to 19MB and 19MB out. I like clockwise, for this route, because I really, really like Carter Dome and feel neutral about the other two - if I hiked this ccw it’s likely I wouldn’t hike Middle and South!!
The air quality was poor today. Views were smoggy and there was a distinct car exhaust smell (with a hint of ashtray) on and near South Carter. Weirdly, Carter Dome was clear and there was no weird smell.
Not as many people out as I would expect on a fall Saturday. |
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 | Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-30 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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. |
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