To enjoy the taller peaks and great views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, but without the crowds on Mount Washington, spend a day hiking this loop up Carter Dome.
Carter Dome is part of the rugged Carter-Moriah Range, which runs along the northern east side of Pinkham Notch. Carter Dome is the highest of the several peaks in this range that rise above 4,000 feet. The mountain is flanked by Mount Hight to the northeast and by Wildcat Mountain to the southwest.
This roughly 10-mile trip provides a challenging hike with steep climbs, summiting Carter Dome (4,832 feet) and Mount Hight (4,675 feet) along the way. Besides the challenge, these summits also reward hikers with some of the best views in the Whites.
From the trailhead on Route 16, you’ll follow the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail nearly 4 miles up to the AMC Carter Notch Hut. From there you’ll take the Carter-Moriah Trail to Carter Dome, Mount Hight and Zeta Pass. You’ll then take the Carter Dome Trail back to Nineteen Mile Brook Trail and follow it back to the trailhead.
Read one hiker’s account of this hike.
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