New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide - South Carter Mountain

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

Profile
In the midst of the Carter-Moriah Range, South Carter Mountain (4,610'), fails to provide any views from its wooded peak, but offers hikers the opportunity to explore the beauty of a typical high-elevation White Mountain boreal forest.

Suggested Routes
Strenuous: South Carter, located between the Zeta Pass and Middle Carter Mountain, has a wooded summit marked by a sign right on the Carter-Moriah Trail. Hikers can best access this area via the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail to the Carter Dome Trail, a strenuous trip that is rewarded by terrific views further along the Carter-Moriah Trail.

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 (3.4 miles south of the South 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.