New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide – Middle Carter Mountain

Note: For complete trail descriptions, times, elevation, trailhead directions, and major features, see the AMC White Mountain Guide.

Profile
A part of the Carter-Moriah Range, Middle Carter Mountain (4,610'), though wooded, rewards hikers 70 yards north of its summit with a view of the Presidential Range.

Suggested Routes
Moderate-Strenuous: The most direct route to access the summit of Middle Carter is via the North Carter Trail, which begins at the middle of the looped Imp Trail. The climb is gradual but rough in a few spots and becomes steeper as the trail approaches the Carter-Moriah trail near the summit of Middle Carter.

Trip Planning
The AMC’s self-service Carter Notch Hut is located at 3288 ft. at the junction of the Carter-Moriah and Nineteen-Mile Brook Trails (4.7 miles south of the Middle Carter summit). The hut is open year-round.

The AMC’s Imp Campsite is located 2.5 miles north of Middle Carter’s summit just on the Imp Shelter spur trail, just off the Carter-Moriah trail.

The AMC’s Hiker Shuttle stops at the 19 Mile Brook Trailhead, giving hikers access to The Highland Center and the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

Safety
The AMC recommends all hikers check weather conditions in advance, carry a current map and guidebook, along with a compass and knowledge of how to use it. For recommendations on how to plan a safe hike in the White Mountains, see: The 10 essentials for a safe and pleasant hike.