Mount Moriah 5/30/07

[KD Talbot]

Wednesday we climbed from Imp Shelter to the summit of Mount Moriah. The trail was clear of ice and snow. Some flowers were starting to emerge along the Carter- Moriah Trail around the ledges. From the ledges you could see that the deciduous trees were still budding at the higher elevations where down below they were full leaf. Warblers flitted through the trees as we took in the early morning sun. We descended the Stony Brook Trail where wildflowers were in different stages. Near the ridge Red Trillium had not yet opened, but further down the mountain it was near passing. Blackflies were just starting to emerge and will become a major annoyance over the next few weeks. Full report and photos here:

http://ghostflowers.com/white_mtns40...riah53007.html

KDT

[Brad]

Kevin,

Wonderful pictures. Way to go Emma! Way out there on that rock.

There is a wonderful view from up there. What is the trail like? How long was the hike? We have a blind daughter in law we are always looking for trails she can do.

The flower pictures were great.

[billysinc]

We're headed up to the Carters/Moriah Friday. Hopefully the black flies followed you home. lol

[KD Talbot]

Thanks for the kind words, Brad. I'm afraid the blackflies wiil get worse before they get better, Billy. The Stony Brook Trail from Rte.16 in Gorham is 3.6 miles and 2200' to where it intersects with the Carter-Moriah Trail. The climb is moderate and after the first brook crossing, (where there is an excellent swimming hole) it follows an old logging road which is easy and moderate. After the 2nd brook crossing at 2.3 miles the trail gets a little steeper and the road is less obvious. By the third crossing it is just a trail and the last 1/2 mile climb to the junction with Carter-Moriah Trail is the steepest section. Not terribly steep, but steeper than the rest of the hike. At the junction you turn north and almost immediately come out onto ledges where you can see into the Wild River Valley. The trail winds moderately over ledges and back into woods with each ledge giving views in different directions. The last push to the summit is a steep hundred yard climb, but not difficult. From the col where the trails first meet it is 1.4 miles and 1000' elevation gain to the summit. So, round trip it's 10 miles and 3200' elevation gain, but it's easier than it sounds. It's one of my wife's favorite climbs, so it can't be that hard! But I gotta say, she's pretty tough, and her little dog, too!
KDT

[billysinc]

We're heading up 19 mile brook trail to Carter Dome trail to the Carter-Moriah trail on Friday. We'll spend Friday night at the Imp campsite. Saturday bag Moriah then head out Stony Brook. Those pictures are great, if I could leave work now I would.

[KD Talbot]

Sounds like a great trip!
I don't know if you've been to any of these mountains before, so if I'm preaching to the choir, bear with me! The 19 Mile Brook Trail is a nice easy walk in the woods, when you turn on to the Carter Dome Trail it gets steep and I don't envy climbing that with a full pack. From Zeta Pass it is somewhat easier, but not much. Mount Hight is definetly worth the side trip, but I usually choose to stay on the Carter Dome Trail. To climb up Mount Hight first is very steep, by staying on the Carter- Moriah Trail on the return trip you will cross Mount Hight. The views from here are said to be some of the best in the White Mountains. Be sure you are on the trail when descending from here, as there are some misleading trails coming down. Northbound compass bearings are 290 degree magnetic. It's not really that big a deal, just thought you might want to know. The hike from there across South, Middle and on to North Carter is pretty easy, just long. The climb down from North Carter is steep and rocky and requires some hand assistance, wouldn't want to do it in the rain in a full pack. From the northside of the mountain it's an easy hike to Imp Shelter. From the Imp Shelter to Mount Moriah is also a nice easy hike, though doing the Carters the day before with a full pack will make it harder! Good luck and we expect a full trip report with pictures!
KDT