[whytemoose]

Hey All, New to your forum but seasoned hiker of the beautiful NH hills. My group has hit all of the presidentials, Lafayette section, Bonds, North South Twins and a bunch more in the winter over the last few years and are looking for a new area to tackle. The Wildcats and Carters look good on all of your posts so I'd like whatever tips you could offer .. recommended trails (what to stay away from). We are looking to a two day one night trip, with as much high elevation time as possible. Is the AT the best route? Does not have to be a loop.
Thanks All

[Ben Smith]

whytemoose, on 21 Jan 2010 - 07:48 PM, said:

Hey All, New to your forum but seasoned hiker of the beautiful NH hills. My group has hit all of the presidentials, Lafayette section, Bonds, North South Twins and a bunch more in the winter over the last few years and are looking for a new area to tackle. The Wildcats and Carters look good on all of your posts so I'd like whatever tips you could offer .. recommended trails (what to stay away from). We are looking to a two day one night trip, with as much high elevation time as possible. Is the AT the best route? Does not have to be a loop.
Thanks All

I've done Carter Dome 3 times in winter (never did Wildcat in winter, but I've heard it can be pretty cold and windy). As a day hike, the best way is up the Nineteen Mile Brook trail to Carter Notch Hut, then it's just a quick jaunt to the summit, and back track back down. I've also done Carter Dome as an over-night, where you hike in by the Nineteen Mile Brook trail, spend the night at the hut (I'm pretty sure reservations are required, but fairly easy to get this time of year), and then head up Carter then next day. If you want a full day of hiking, you can continue along Carter ridge and tag Mount Hight if you can find it (we missed it on our try), and then come down Zeta pass. Or if you're really gung ho and have two cars, trek the full length of the Carter Ridge.

Here is a link to a trip report of a two day winter hike up Carter Dome: http://www.hikingnew...ght-in-january/

Good luck and bring warm sleeping bags,
Ben