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Mt. Surprise, Mt. Moriah
Gorham, NH, Shelburne, NH, Bean's Purchase, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.

Looking up the Carter Moriah Trail on the way to Mt. Surprise
Route: Carter Moriah Trail
En route to Maine, I decided to hike Mt. Moriah.
Parking at the snowmobile trail crossing on Bangor Road, we soon set foot up the Carter-Moriah Trail, using Microspikes due to the hardpack, relatively low base depth nature of the snow.
Reaching Mt. Surprise, we had cloudy, but decent views of the Presidentials. By the time we reached the summit of Mt. Moriah, we were engulfed in clouds.
For the descent, I took my time in a few short, steep areas due to blue ice. While I was able to get down with Microspikes, it was almost enough to warrant crampon use. Below Mt. Surprise, it was smooth sailing.
Hike Ratings |
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
Destination: |
Mt. Surprise |
Length: |
Moderate |
Steepness: |
Moderate |
Navigation: |
Easy |
Views: |
Excellent |
Crowds: |
Moderate |
Destination: |
Mt. Moriah |
Length: |
Moderate |
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
Navigation: |
Moderate |
Views: |
Minimal (due to weather) |
Crowds: |
Moderate |
|
Hike Stats |
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, January 8, 2011 |
Hike Commenced: |
8:19 AM |
Parking Elevation: |
790' |
Destination: |
Mt. Moriah |
Ascent Commenced: |
8:25 AM |
Summit Reached: |
11:11 AM |
Time Elapsed: |
02:46 |
Trailhead Elevation: |
790' |
Summit Elevation: |
4,049' |
Distance: |
4.5 miles |
Vertical Gain: |
3,558' |
|
|
Hike Ended: |
1:07 PM |
Hike Time Elapsed: |
04:52 |
Hike Distance: |
9 miles |
Hike Vertical Gain: |
3,868' |
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The Carter Moriah Trail trailhead on Bangor Street
Looking at Mt. Washington from the ledges below the Mt. Surprise summit

Looking up the Carter Moriah Trail between Mt. Surprise and Mt. Moriah
Fog as seen from Mt. Moriah

Directions to trailhead: Take Route 16 North to Gorham, then take US 2 East. Just after crossing the river, take a right onto Bangor Street. Trailhead is at the end of this street on the left. There is limited parking at the trailhead.
Back to Mt. Surprise Profile
Back to Mt. Moriah Profile
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