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Green's Grant, NH, Bean's Purchase, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail
For some reason I had never hiked the Carters. Today was the day.
Arriving at the trailhead just a bit after 8, I was the third vehicle - and by the looks of the frost, only the second one to arrive on this morning.
The Nineteen Mile Trail was very easy going - decent footing, not much pitch to it. Arriving at the Carter Dome Trail intersection, I decided to take this trail rather than the gentle-then-very steep route via Carter Notch (thought being that I would ascend Mt. Hight first and have views of a white Presidential Range).
The Carter Dome Trail was still pretty easy going - moderate at best due to some switchbacks in the steeper sections. After passing Zeta Pass, I continued on this trail, deciding to hit Carter Dome first after all.
Reaching Carter Dome, I was greeted with about an inch of ice/rime in the trees and a still-somewhat-white Presidential Range. The views were excellent from the view point near the summit - and I hadn't seen a single person all morning so far.
After having a snack, I headed toward Mt. Hight. Again, easy to moderate in pitch. I've heard a lot about the views being nice up here - correct! I had the rocky summit all to myself - awesome views in all directions. Still pretty cold, too - glad I brought my gloves!
After enjoying the views, I continued down the Carter-Moriah Trail back to Zeta Pass. The first portion of this trail is rather steep and rocky - add to it some ice and it was a little tricky at first!
Arriving at Zeta Pass, I decided I'd go get South Carter while I was at it. This ended up being the steepest ascent of the hike - a few somewhat sustained pitches on the way to the viewless summit.
After having a snack and enjoying the lack of view (but more favorable temperatures due to lower elevation and wind protection), I decided to call it a day and head back. I didn't end up seeing a single person until I was back on the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail - at which point I encountered a bunch of leaf peepers. Radiohead's new In Rainbows was on loop.
A great day for a hike - the first winter-like one of the season for me!
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The Nineteen Mile Brook Trail trailhead on Route 16
Looking at the Northern Presidentials from near the Carter Dome summit
The Carter-Moriah Trail to Mt. Hight
Looking at the Northern Presidentials from the Mt. Hight summit
The Carter-Moriah Trail to South Carter Mountain
An example of what can be seen through the trees from the South Carter Mountain summit
Back to Carter Dome Profile
Back to Mt. Hight Profile
Back to South Carter Mountain Profile
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