| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Carter, Middle Carter, North Carter, Mt. Moriah, Mt. Surprise, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, July 15, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We were actually considering coming out Shelburne north so we spotted one car there at 7am, then another at C-M Trail at 7:15am, then started our journey up 19MB Trail shortly past 7:30am. The road into Shelburne Trail was in good shape when it was dirt but at the very beginning when it’s still paved it was pretty rough with some very large potholes. We were the only ones there at the start and when we returned around 4:30pm. On Bangor St, there was still parking at the end of it. Note that there is no longer a sign for the trail there though. When we returned shortly past 4pm, there were still a few cars there but most were parked down my the power lines. 19MB trailhead still had spots when we arrived around 7:30am. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing on Carter Dome Trail was rock hopable. Given all the rain we got last night and this morning, it may be a different story now though. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails are well travelled and easy to follow except perhaps on the ledges between Stony Brook Trail and Moriah. I believe 19MB Trail and Carter Dome Trail were blazed in blue. Not terribly frequently but they’re still easy to follow. Carter-Moriah Trail between its jct with Carter Dome Trail and Kenduskeag Trail is blazed in white as it’s part of the AT. Very easy to follow except perhaps on the ledges between Stony Brook Trail and Moriah. That said, the white blazing seemed a bit more frequent here and there were some cairns to guide you along the ledges. Down to Bangor St Carter-Moriah Trail is blazed in blue. That section of trail is in continual good shape now thanks to Larry from Gorhamn I don’t recall if we ran into other blowdowns elsewhere. Note that the ladder near the beginning of the very steep and wet descent off of North Carter is not attached to anything. There is no longer a sign at the end of Bangor St for the C-M Trail. Some bog bridges on the ridge could be replaced as they could be dangerous. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I don’t recall if we saw many but I don’t know if I’d recommend this hike for most dogs as it’s very long and has many scrambles coming off of North Carter. A pretty long and rugged hike without much water for a long chunk of it. More dogs would be able to do an out-and-back to Moriah or just South and Middle Carter. |
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 | Bugs: |
If I recall correctly, we didn’t really notice any. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Not that I remember. |
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 | Comments: |
A hot and humid day with a mix of sun and cloud (luckily) to get my 10th-12th grid peaks this month out of 26 needed with two friends. We started hiking in the high 60s I believe and finished in the low 80s with very humid conditions.
Although the trails were mostly dry, there was a lot of wet rock part I Haley on the ridge which my new trail runners had trouble grilling on to. Not too muddy except on the ridge. Met several people out including at least one section hiking the AT. The very steep, rugged, and wet section of trail leading down from North Carter was difficult as usual. |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-07-18 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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