What are the main hiking routes to Carter Dome?

The main routes to Carter Dome include: 19 Mile Brook Trail > Carter Dome Trail - via Carter Notch., Loop via Carter-Moriah - over Mount Hight and Carter Dome..

How difficult is hiking Carter Dome?

Carter Dome is rated as Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Carter Dome?

Typically, hiking Carter Dome takes 6–8 hours - out-and-back via Carter Notch..

Back to NH48 Peak Catalog

Carter Dome

Carter Dome, or simply “The Dome,” is a mountain in Coös County, New Hampshire.

Prominence: 2830 ft Range: Carter-Moriah Range

Elevation: 4,832 ft

Carter Dome peak at sunset with snowy patches and silhouetted trees in winter — The rugged silhouette of Carter Dome in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is framed by frosted evergreens under a soft winter sunset sky. Patches of snow linger on granite ledges, highlighting the alpine zone as the forest trail below fades into dusk.

Clear afternoon view of Carter Dome peak with forest and blue sky in White Mountains — Carter Dome rises prominently in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, bathed in clear spring afternoon light. The dense forest trail foreground frames the alpine zone and granite ledges visible near the summit, highlighting the rugged terrain within White Mountain National Forest.

Carter Dome mountain with forested slopes and granite ledges under clear sky at sunset — Carter Dome in the White Mountains of New Hampshire basks in the warm glow of a late summer sunset. The forested slopes and granite ledges are highlighted by soft light, with deep shadows stretching across the alpine zone. This serene landscape captures the quiet beauty of White Mountain National Forest at day's end.

Carter Dome mountain in winter with shadows and snow patches — A crisp winter afternoon bathes Carter Dome in soft shadows, revealing the rugged granite ledges and dense forest trails that define this White Mountains peak in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest.

Sunlit Cliffs and Spruce Below Carter Dome poster — A rocky Carter Dome outlook moves from close spruce and cliff faces to a sunlit alpine basin.

Mountain Overview

Carter Dome, or simply “The Dome,” is a mountain in Coös County, New Hampshire. It has an elevation of 4,832 feet (1,473 m), which makes it one of the highest peaks in the White Mountains. Carter Dome is part of the Carter-Moriah Range, running along the eastern side of Pinkham Notch. The mountain is flanked to the northeast by Mount Hight and to the southwest by Wildcat Mountain (across Carter Notch). Carter Dome’s summit is wooded, and it is known for the nearby Carter Notch Hut and the views obtainable from points just off its summit. Carter Dome (often just “The Dome”) is the highest peak of the Carter-Moriah Range, east of Mount Washington across Pinkham Notch. The mountain is named for the Carter family – early 19th-century settlers or guides in the region – although the exact honoree is debated (some sources cite Dr. Ezra Carter of Concord, others a local hunter). Historically, Carter Dome had a fire lookout tower on its summit from 1907 to 1947. Rangers stationed there could scan the Wild River wilderness to the east and the Pinkham Notch region for signs of wildfire. The old tower is gone now, and the summit is wooded, but traces remain. At the northern base of Carter Dome lies Carter Notch, where the Appalachian Mountain Club built the Carter Notch Hut in 1914 – one of the first high-mountain huts in the Whites. Generations of hikers have passed through that notch and ascended Carter Dome, making it a peak rich with hiking lore. Despite being just shy of treeline, Carter Dome offers fine views from nearby Mount Hight and other outlooks, including sights back toward the Presidential Range.

General Info

Elevation

4,832 ft

Prominence

2830 ft

Range

Carter-Moriah Range

Trail Type

Out & back or loop

Difficulty

Difficult

Exposure

Medium - summit in trees but ridge and Mt. Hight exposed to wind.

Typical Time

6–8 hours - out-and-back via Carter Notch.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - popular winter hike as well with snowshoes.

Water availability

Yes - 19 Mile Brook alongside trail for first 1.9 miles; pond at Carter Notch near hut.

Cell reception

Spotty - possible line-of-sight to Gorham from Mt. Hight, but generally weak.

First Photo & Camera

Mountain

Carter Dome

Photo

Twilight Glow Over Carter Dome

Description

Captured in the waning light of a January evening, this landscape photography showcases Carter Dome's distinctive rounded summit within the White Mountain National Forest. The scene reveals subtle snow cover on granite ledges and a quiet forest trail, emphasizing the serene beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountains during winter. The sky's pastel hues reflect the calm atmosphere as daylight fades behind the alpine zone.

Dimensions

4000 x 2667

Credit

Static map preview

Carter Dome: summit area with linked trail context.

Summit: 44.2673, -71.1793

Trails: Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Black Angel Trail

NOAA / NWS Updated Mon, Sep 14, 2:23 PM EDT

42°F

Mostly Clear Gorham, NH point forecast

Wind30 mph NW

Gusts39 mph

Precip1%

Humidity86%

MWOBS Higher Summits ForecastOfficial higher-summit outlook for exposed White Mountain terrain

5-Day Forecast

NOAA / NWS day and night periods near this summit point.

Mon

38°F

Mostly Clear

Tue

53°F / 45°F

Mostly Sunny

Wed

60°F / 51°F

Mostly Sunny

Thu

57°F / 51°F

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers

Fri

55°F / 43°F

Mostly Sunny

Forecast Snapshots

Choose 1-hour snapshots or 15-minute checkpoints from the NOAA hourly forecast.

CadenceTime

Mon 8:00 PM

Mostly Clear

Temp42°F

Wind30 mph NW

Gusts39 mph

Precip1%

Humidity86%

NOAA hourly forecast period

Primary NOAA point forecast coverage is available for this summit location.

USNOGenerated Mon, Sep 14, 9:01 PM EDT

Sunrise6:23 AM Daylight Length12h 34m Sunset6:57 PM

Sunrise

6:23 AM EDT

Sunset

6:57 PM EDT

Moonrise

10:22 AM EDT

Moonset

8:09 PM EDT

Moon phase

Waxing Crescent

14% illuminated

USNO astronomy is available for this summit.

High-summit climate profile

1991-2020 Mount Washington climate normals. Daylight is calculated at South Twin Mountain.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

0 / 3

Sources & method

Climate reference: Mount Washington, NH US · 6267 ft · 1991-2020

Solar reference: South Twin Mountain · 2026

Wind is not displayed: January hourly coverage is below the 80% threshold.

NOAA/NCEI · U.S. Climate Normals, Monthly 1991-2020 NOAA/NCEI · Global Hourly U.S. Naval Observatory · Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day

Climatology describes typical conditions, not a forecast.

Drainage context only, not a crossing safety decision. 2 linked water references; expand a row for sources and notes.

Route note: Yes - 19 Mile Brook alongside trail for first 1.9 miles; pond at Carter Notch near hut.

Wild River USGS historical • Observed Aug 24, 2026, 4:00 AM • 13.4 mi context 23.7 cfs · 1.14 ft gage · stable · fresh

StationWild River at Gilead, Maine • 01054200

USGS Historical, Observed

Wild River Wilderness context for east-side Moriah and Carter approach planning when remote drainages are the main concern.

Official source

Ellis River USGS historical • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationELLIS RIVER NEAR JACKSON, NH • 01064300

USGS Historical

Useful Ellis River context for Glen Ellis, Wildcat, Carter Notch, and lower Pinkham approaches when drainages are running high.

Nearby live proxy: SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH • Peabody River at Gorham, New Hampshire

Official source

Treat rising, stale, modeled, or missing readings conservatively.

Trail gradeGentle0–8%Moderate8–15%Steep15–25%Very steep25%+

Wildcat Mountain - D Peak. → Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.1.67 mi Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. → Carter Dome1.81 mi Carter Dome → South Carter Mountain1.82 mi South Carter Mountain → Middle Carter Mountain1.12 mi

Route order: Wildcat Mountain - D Peak. → Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. → Carter Dome → South Carter Mountain → Middle Carter Mountain

Hover, touch, or use arrow keys for exact distance, terrain elevation, and grade. Terrain: 1 m USGS S1M DEM (NAVD88); summits: official NH48 elevations.

South Carter MountainConnected trailsClosest trail link

Trail: 1.79 mi
Gain: +510 ft
Loss: −925 ft
Time: 51 min

Summit-to-summit route

Carter Dome South Carter Mountain

Via Carter Dome Trail / Carter-Moriah Trail

1.56 mi straight-line • low point 3,900 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Carter Dome 4,833 ftcol / low point 3,900 ftSouth Carter Mountain 4,419 ft

Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.Connected trails

Trail: 1.83 mi
Gain: +1,119 ft
Loss: −1,555 ft
Time: 1 h 10 min

Summit-to-summit route

Carter Dome Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.

Via Carter-Moriah Trail / Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail / Wildcat Ridge Trail

1.25 mi straight-line • low point 3,267 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Carter Dome 4,833 ftcol / low point 3,267 ftWildcat Mountain - A Peak. 4,395 ft

Middle Carter MountainConnected trails

Trail: 2.92 mi
Gain: +971 ft
Loss: −1,192 ft
Time: 1 h 28 min

Summit-to-summit route

Carter Dome Middle Carter Mountain

Via Carter Dome Trail / Carter-Moriah Trail

2.54 mi straight-line • low point 3,900 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Carter Dome 4,833 ftcol / low point 3,900 ftMiddle Carter Mountain 4,619 ft

Wildcat Mountain - D Peak.Connected trails

Trail: 3.50 mi
Gain: +1,649 ft
Loss: −2,424 ft
Time: 2 h

Summit-to-summit route

Carter Dome Wildcat Mountain - D Peak.

Via Carter-Moriah Trail / Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail / Wildcat Ridge Trail

2.52 mi straight-line • low point 3,267 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Carter Dome 4,833 ftcol / low point 3,267 ftWildcat Mountain - D Peak. 4,056 ft

Nineteen-Mile Brook Trailhead - NH 16, Pinkham Notch.

Trailhead parking

Medium parking area off NH 16; can fill on weekends

Trailhead

Nineteen-Mile Brook Trailhead - NH 16, Pinkham Notch.

Capacity

35 vehicles (est.)

No WMNF seasonal road listing

Primary trailheads are linked, but no WMNF seasonal access-road dependency is currently linked to this route. This is common for state highways, AMC lots, ski-area lots, or year-round paved road access.

Verify official sources and posted signs before driving to a trailhead.

Technical difficulty (1-10)

Physical effort (1-10)

Difficulty class

Difficult

Typical completion time

6–8 hours - out-and-back via Carter Notch.

Risk factors

Severe weather, Scramble / steep, No cell service

Preparation notes

Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases. Download offline maps and do not rely on cell service; leave a plan with someone.

Bailout distance

19 mi

Weather exposure

Medium - summit in trees but ridge and Mt. Hight exposed to wind.

Field planning note

19 Mile Brook Trail > Carter Dome Trail - via Carter Notch. - 10.2 - 3,500 - Difficult - Out & back - or loop via Imp Trail. Yes - 19 Mile Brook alongside trail for first 1.9 miles; pond at Carter Notch near hut. Medium parking area off NH 16; can fill on weekends

Water availability

Yes - 19 Mile Brook alongside trail for first 1.9 miles; pond at Carter Notch near hut.

Cell reception

Spotty - possible line-of-sight to Gorham from Mt. Hight, but generally weak.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - popular winter hike as well with snowshoes.

Terrain

Wooded mountain trails, moderately steep; rocky and rooty sections, some slabs near Carter Notch

Scramble sections

No - steady uphill trail, no technical scrambles.

View type

Partial - summit wooded; excellent views from nearby Mt. Hight.

Summit marker

Small cairn in wooded summit clearing - no sign.

Flora / environment

Mixed hardwood at base along brook; dense spruce-fir boreal forest at summit - no alpine zone.

Carter Dome Route & Conditions

Route

Carter Dome's standard hiking options include 19 Mile Brook Trail > Carter Dome Trail - via Carter Notch at 10.2 miles with 3,500 feet of gain and Loop via Carter-Moriah - over Mount Hight and Carter Dome at 10 miles with 3,800 feet of gain. A typical completion time is 6–8 hours - out-and-back via Carter Notch.

Terrain and exposure

This is a difficult Carter-Moriah Range hike. Expect wooded mountain trails, moderately steep; rocky and rooty sections, some slabs near Carter Notch. There are no major scrambling sections; expect steady uphill trail, no technical scrambles. Upper-mountain terrain includes mixed hardwood at base along brook; dense spruce-fir boreal forest at summit, no alpine zone and partial, summit wooded; excellent views from nearby Mt. Hight. Weather and exposure are defining planning concerns here: medium, summit in trees but ridge and Mt. Hight exposed to wind.

Weather window

The best normal hiking window is summer and fall, roughly popular winter hike as well with snowshoes. In September, average summit conditions are about 43 F. Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases.

Water, signal, and bailout

Water is available: 19 Mile Brook alongside trail for first 1.9 miles; pond at Carter Notch near hut. Cell reception is spotty, possible line-of-sight to Gorham from Mt. Hight, but generally weak. Bailout options include Carter Notch Hut shelter between Carter Dome and Wildcats and 19 Mile Brook Trail back to trailhead for quickest exit. Nearby live water context is available from Wild River and Ellis River.

Trailhead and access

The most common trailhead is Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead, with room for about 35 vehicles. Medium parking area off NH 16; can fill on weekends.

Connected route context

Major linked trails include Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, and Black Angel Trail. Nearby 4,000-footer connections include South Carter Mountain, Wildcat Mountain - A Peak., Middle Carter Mountain, and Wildcat Mountain - D Peak..

Carter Dome

Area Map

Trails