South Carter
4,430 ft | 1 trails | New Hampshire
4,430 ft
1 routes
Hard
NH 4000-Footer
About South Carter
At 4,430 feet, South Carter ranks among New Hampshire's celebrated 4000-Footers—a collection of 48 peaks that challenge and inspire hikers throughout the Northeast. This hard summit offers a quintessential White Mountain experience.
Popular Routes
The most popular route, **Nineteen Mile Brook to South Carter**, covers 9.4 miles and is rated Hard. Route via Carter Notch Hut to South Carter.
Peak Bagging
**Extend Your Adventure:** Middle Carter lies just 1.0 miles away, making it an excellent addition for ambitious hikers looking to bag multiple summits.
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Check Current Conditions
Trail conditions change frequently. Check recent reports on AllTrails or NE Trail Conditions before your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike South Carter?
Most routes on South Carter take 4-6 hours round trip. The most popular trail is 9.4 miles with Hard difficulty. Start early, especially on weekends when parking fills quickly.
Is South Carter hard to hike?
South Carter is rated Hard. At 4,430 feet, expect challenging terrain above treeline with potential for rapid weather changes. Proper footwear and preparation are essential.
Do I need a permit to hike South Carter?
No hiking permit is required for South Carter. However, parking fees may apply at trailheads (typically $3-5/day for WMNF or state parks). A WMNF parking pass covers most White Mountain trailheads.
What is the best trail to hike South Carter?
The most popular route is the Nineteen Mile Brook to South Carter, offering Route via Carter Notch Hut to South Carter..
When is the best time to hike South Carter?
The best hiking season for South Carter is late May through October. Summer and fall offer the best conditions, though expect crowds on weekends. Winter hiking requires specialized gear and experience.
Best Time to Visit
spring
March - May
Muddy trails, snow above 3000ft until May
summer
June - August
Best weather, occasional afternoon thunderstorms
fall
September - November
Peak foliage late Sept, early snow possible in October
winter
December - February
Full winter conditions, extreme cold and wind above treeline
Winter Gear Checklist
- Snowshoes/crampons
- Insulated boots
- Balaclava
- Hand/toe warmers
- Emergency bivy
Tip: Winter hiking requires specialized skills and gear. Never hike alone. Check avalanche conditions for steeper terrain.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- ⚠️ ALPINE ZONE: Weather changes rapidly. Turn back if conditions deteriorate.
- Winter conditions in effect - full mountaineering gear required
- Hypothermia risk - temperatures 20-40°F colder at summit
- Short daylight hours - carry headlamp
- Trail markers may be buried under snow
Turn-Around Time
2:00 PM recommended for summit
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near South Carter. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Middle Carter
4,610 ft
Carter Dome
4,832 ft
Wildcat A
4,422 ft
Wildcat D
4,062 ft
Peak Bagging Tip
Middle Carter is only 1 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!