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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Backpacking
ActivitySearchBackpacking
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State:
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New Hampshire (NH)
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Distance:
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13.72 mi
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Difficulty:
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8 / 10
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USGS Topo Map:
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Mount Carrigain
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Rating:
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Unrated
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Two steep, forested summits await on this 2-day, 14-mile hike: Vose Spur and Mount Carrigain. On day one, you'll tackle a challenging bushwhack ascent of Carrigain's sidekick, Vose Spur. This 1.5-mile side trip climbs through dense vegetation and will test your navigation skills. After descending Vose Spur, hike through moderate, tree-covered terrain and set up camp near Notch Brook—soft pine needles cushion the ground. On day two, the trail rounds to the south and begins a ridgeline climb to Mount Carrigain. From Carrigain's summit, soak in views of surrounding White Mountain peaks before beginning the descent back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Steve Roy
TO TRAILHEAD: From Conway, NH, take NH 16/White Mountains Hwy. north for 10.9 miles and then continue straight on US 302. In 10.1 miles, turn left on Sawyer Trail (which becomes Livermore Rd.). Go 2 miles to trailhead parking.
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Datum: |
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Mount Carrigain
| Dist: 13.72 mi |
Points: 987 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
CAR001
Location: 44.069775°, -71.383675°
Head northwest on the Signal Ridge Trail. In .1 mile, cross Sawyer River. Note: During spring months the river may rise. Exercise caution when attempting to traverse rocks in the river bed.
CAR002
Location: 44.071007°, -71.388992°
As you continue along the Carrigain Notch approach trail, pass at least 3 riverside campsites with an adequate water source. Note: Hikers wanting to get an early start up Carrigain Notch routinely hike in to these spots before setting out early the next day.
CAR003
Location: 44.078754°, -71.410881°
Turn right @ Y-junction and continue along Carrigain Notch Trail. Trail winds northward toward Vose Spur.
CAR004
Location: 44.097629°, -71.424583°
A big boulder marks the start of the bushwhack ascent to Vose Spur. In the fall and winter, look for the summit to the northwest. From here, turn left and head west on a herd path. Ahead, steep bushwhack through spruce forest to a prominent ridge; follow ridge at a compass bearing of 320 degrees through spruce forest. Head in the direction of the summit for .3 mile until you encounter a rock slide.
CAR005
Location: 44.099251°, -71.431282°
Climb up the rock slide, following the cairns to the other side; vegetation thins. Next, follow a good herd path to the north-northwest towards the summit.
CAR006
Location: 44.101589°, -71.434265°
The terrain flattens out as you approach the wooded summit.
CAR007
Location: 44.103416°, -71.434799°
Vose Spur (3,862 ft.): There's no longer a canister on the summit; instead, sign your name in a small journal kept inside a zip lock bag. Views are scarce on this wooded summit, but you can see the outlines of other ridges in the area. Next, follow herd path back to Waypoint 4; turn left @ T-junction to continue north on Carrigain Notch Trail.
CAR008
Location: 44.119000°, -71.448486°
Bear left @ 3-way to continue on Carrigain Notch Trail. Camping: Turn right @ 3-way junction at the intersection of the Carrigain Notch and Nancy Pond trails. Hike .1 mile past trail junction over a brook to excellent campsites. The forest floor opens up with soft pine straw for flooring. There is ample firewood and a good water source on the left side of the trail.
CAR009
Location: 44.113247°, -71.459709°
Keep straight @ 3-way junction; hike south. From here, climb 1.3 miles over moderately steep terrain (sometimes along an old logging road) with occasional switchbacks.
CAR010
Location: 44.099281°, -71.454369°
A stiff, ridgeline climb begins, flattening only slightly before the summit; only .6 mile remains to the top of Mount Carrigain.
CAR011
Location: 44.093651°, -71.446846°
Mount Carrigain (4,700 ft.): Ascend to a small clearing near the water tower and enjoy 360-degree views of the White Mountains. To the north-northeast, you can see the Presidential Range including Washington, Franklin, and Pierce. To the north-northwest, you can see the Bonds. To the west, look for the Hancocks, The Owl's Head, Franconia Ridge and Mount Garfield. The Vose Spur and Mount Nancy rise to the east. This summit can be buffeted by high winds, so use caution if climbing the water tower. Start the descent heading southeast on the Signal Ridge Trail.
CAR012
Location: 44.091721°, -71.442055°
Hike southeast along Signal Ridge. In .2 mile, leave Signal Ridge (stay on the trail), and begin gradual, switchback descent over next 2.9 miles.
CAR013
Location: 44.081188°, -71.424644°
Descend several switchbacks. Ahead, the terrain levels out for .3 mile before joining back with the Carrigain Notch Trail at Waypoint 3; turn right and continue south back to the trailhead.
Carrigain Notch Trail Junction
Location: 44.078812°, -71.410873°
Vose Spur
Location: 44.103691°, -71.434868°
Mount Carrigain Summit
Location: 44.091408°, -71.441818°
Campsites
Location: 44.071930°, -71.389084°
