Wildcats to Carters Traverse
The Wildcats to Carters traverse is a classic linkup of several New Hampshire peaks over 4,000ft. The trail either starts at Wildcat Mountain and goes North to Mt Moriah or vice-versa. There are several variations of this traverse but this guide will cover the full and most popular way to hike this route. Along the Wildcats to Carters traverse, hikers will summit the following 4,000+ footers: Mt Moriah, Middle Carter, South Carter, Carter Dome, Wildcat (also called Wildcat A) and Wildcat D. This traverse is typically done in multiple days but can be done in one.
Wildcats to Carters Traverse Quick Facts
Virtual Trail Guide: Wildcats to Carters Traverse
Wildcats to Carters Traverse Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Distance: 18 Miles One Way
Elevation Start: 850ft
Highest Point: 4,832 (Carter Dome) – You summit 5 other 4,000+ footers along the way
Total Elevation Gain: 7,500ft of Gain, 8,600ft of Loss
Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 Days or 11-14 Hours (One Day)
Difficulty: Strenuous (depending on snow levels) What does this mean?
Class: Class 3 – What does this mean?
Season: May – October
Directions to Wildcats to Carters Traverse
Trailhead: NH16 / Carter Moriah Trailhead
Getting Here: This is a point to point hike so the first thing you need to do is decide if you are going North to South or South to North. Parking at both areas is tough, more on that below. However, the nice part is that the drive between the two starting points is only about 15-20 mins.
Carter Moriah Trailhead
Glen Ellis Falls Trailhead
Parking: Carter Moriah Trailhead Has very limited parking, in a Gorham, NH neighborhood. As a courtesy to the residents, it is recommended to park on the gravel lot at the nearby Libby Memorial Pool on Mill Street, about a mile south of Gorham on Rt 16. To get to the TH, leave the parking lot on Mill Street and turn right onto a pedestrian bridge in 0.2 miles. Cross the bridge and take a right onto Bangor Street, which quickly leads to the Carter Moriah Trailhead on your left.
NH16: Parking here is limited to along the side of the road until the Glen Ellis recreation area reopens again. It is anticipated that this will happen sometime in 2025.
Neither area has restrooms and parking at both THs is rather limited. We did not have any issues leaving vehicles at either TH but did knock this out in a (very long) day so can’t speak to overnight parking.
Fees: None
Summary
Camping: Since most people turn the Wildcats to Carters traverse into a multi day affair, lets cover all of the spots to sleep on this one. The most luxurious spot to stay a night would be in the Carter Notch Hut. Reservations are required to spend a night here. The Imp Shelter is close to the South end of the traverse and is also a pay to sleep spot but you can just do that with the caretaker when they are there. Finally, since most of this hike is along the Appalachian Trail, there are several spots to backcountry camp along the traverse.
Dogs: As long as your dog is good at scrambling some pretty steep rock sections (Class 3), I would not see a problem bringing a dog on the Wildcats to Carters traverse. Before you bring your pup, please read that last sentence again and watch the video + check out some of the pictures I highlighted here. Additionally, it should be noted that there are very few water sources on this hike so please pack accordingly for both you and your dog.
Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike with many more miles to extend your hike in either direction on the Appalachian Trail.
Trail X Factor: North Carter & Carter Notch
Regardless if you are going North to South or the other way, these two climbs and descents are brutal. Both contain sections of Class 3 scrambling and are VERY steep. To spice things up even more, these sections are notorious wet making the rock slick and dangerous with improper footwear. Tread carefully in both of these sections.
Hike Tip(s): Hike This in The Fall
Am I biased because that is when we did this hike? Sure. However, there are several benefits to hiking the Wildcats to Carters Traverse in the Fall:
- Less or no bugs
- Cooler temps
- Less People
- Foliage
Sure, the daylight hours are more limited but I very much enjoyed an October trek on this trail.
Best Views: Although the Wildcats to Carters Traverse does not have iconic views like the Pemi Loop or Presidential Traverses, for New Hampshire – the views along this hike are truly stunning. This is not a destination worthy hike, but RIGHT below one that I would travel for. Most of the summits on this long trail have clear summits or at least a viewpoint nearby.
