Mt. Carrigain Loop (the path less traveled) INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCE
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- July 17, 2011 · 8:30 AM
What are we doing?
We are going to climb Mt. Carrigain (4,700 ft) via the path less traveled - a 13.5 mile loop of the Signal Ridge, Carrigain Notch, and Desolation trails. On a clear day, the views from Mt. Carrigain across the Pemi and Sandwich wildernesses can't be beat.
This hike is geared for people who have some experience with Moderate/Intermediate hikes (7-10 mile hikes with up to 2,500 feet of elevation gain) but who are looking to step up their hiking into longer, more advanced level hikes.
Trip Summary
On this moderate-paced loop, we'll hike 13.5 miles and climb about 3,900 feet. Book time for this hike is about 8.5 hours - and we hope to finish in about that time. This trip is considered to be INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain.
We will start at the Signal Ridge trailhead. A few miles in, we'll fork right onto the Carrigain Notch Trail and wrap around to the Desolation Trail. We'll take the Desolation Trail up to the summit and then descend via the Signal Ridge trail and take that all the way back to the trailhead. There are several water crossings on this route which can be tricky at times, so wear waterproof boots or be prepared for wet feet. Also, the Desolation trail is very steep, rocky and rough and some find this climb difficult (but we think it'll be fun!) *Note - if you are just interested in peakbagging Carrigain for your list and aren't comfortable with steep scrambles, then the traditional route (out and back via signal ridge) is a shorter, easier, gentler way to get this summit and our planned route is not the right hike for you.
While we have hiked Carrigain via Signal Ridge several times, this will be our first time on Carrigain Notch and Desolation trails. We've researched this route - but we expect all participants to bring a map & compass, and be familiar with the planned route. You are responsible for your own safety!
We start as a group, stay as a group, and finish as a group.
To sign up for this hike, you should be an intermediate/moderate hiker who has recently completed trips of at least 7-8 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain - at book time/average pace or faster. Please answer all RSVP questions.
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Weather
Dangerous weather conditions (steady rain and/or thunderstorms) will cancel - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants a day or two before this event.
Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.
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Clothing and Equipment
Below is a list describing the minimum required clothing and equipment to participate in this event.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots/trail runners. (Be prepared for water crossings with waterproof boots, or water shoes, or change of socks. Poles are also helpful.)
Clothing: Dress in layers to easily regulate body temperature. Wear synthetic shirt/pants and bring a fleece jacket/wool sweater. ABSOLUTELY NO COTTON.
Outerwear: Waterproof/windproof rain shell with hood.
Food and Water: High-energy snacks, food for lunch, enough water to stay properly hydrated during the trip (2-3 Liters recommended).
Other Essential Gear: Map and compass. Plastic whistle. Headlamp with two sets of spare batteries. Personal first aid kit. An emergency space blanket (e.g. mylar). Small pocket knife or multi-purpose tool. Toilet kit (e.g. hand sanitizer, toilet paper and a zip-lock bag to pack out your used personal hygiene items). Sunscreen. Bug Spray. Lip balm. Sunglasses. Waterproof cover for your pack.
Optional Items: Waterproof/windproof pants. Trekking poles. Camera.
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Directions
We will meet at the Signal Ridge Trailhead - 2 miles up Sawyer River Road, off of Route 302 near Bartlett, NH. Google maps indicates this location is 175 miles and 3 hours from Boston.
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As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you and your guests acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com; the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.
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A former member
This loop was a really unique and beautiful way to hike Carrigain (aside from those darn bugs!). The weather gave us blue skies, sun, and unlimited views from the summit - gorgeous! We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the fire tower on the summit, and a well-deserved foot soak in the river at the trailhead. It was nice to hike with a few familiar faces, and great to meet a few new folks, too. Thanks for a great hike, everyone.
July 18, 2011
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Michael D
K. I will give you a text if I'm up early enough to meet you there.
Michael
[masked]July 16, 2011
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Tai
Karine & Spruce,
Will text tomorrow from park and ride at I-93 exit 5, NH, to update you on travel schedule.
July 16, 2011
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Tai
Michael D.,
Am meeting Carrie at REI, Reading, at 530, before heading up to park-and-ride at I-93, exit 5. Call me, if we should look for you at REI; otherwise see you at exit 5.
July 16, 2011
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Michael D
How about we all show up at the park and ride (exit 5 NH, at 630) and divy up cars when we get there?
With that said. Is anyone still looking for a ride to the park and ride, from the Boston area?
July 16, 2011
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Tai
Karine & Spruce,
So far, am meeting Carrie at REI, Reading, at 530. Then Marta, Ben, & Brian Crispim at park and ride at I-93 exit 5, NH, at 630. Will condense into one car there and see you at Sawyer Rd, by 830. My mobile is [masked].July 16, 2011
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Elgin Stallard
Hi everyone,
Tweaked a hamstring earlier this week that I thought would be fine by the weekend...but after stretching this morning it's still really tight. I hope one of the waiting list people can make it, have fun tomorrow!July 16, 2011
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Brian C.
I'd like to get in on the carpool. But If needed, I could drive. I'll meet you at the park and ride at 6:30.
July 15, 2011
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Tai
Ben, Carrie, & Michael D.,
There's room for Marta and all 3 of you in my car. I will be meeting Marta at 630 AM in the park-and-ride at I-93, exit 5, NH. When and where would any of you like to meet to carpool?
July 15, 2011
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Ben
Tai,
If you have room for me, then i will hop aboard; otherwise i will meet you guys/ladies up there.July 15, 2011
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Tai
Carrie & Michael D.,
So far, meeting Marta at I-93N exit 5 in Londonderry. Could you two carpool to REI and we combine there? Have room in my car for Marta and both of you, too.
July 15, 2011
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A former member
I wont' be carpooling with you folks as I'm heading up Saturday night to camp with friends who are hiking tomorrow, and may be making a detour on the way home Sunday night. But there are tons of park n rides on the way up I-93 that are convenient for meeting and carpooling - my favorite is at exit 47 in Methuen (about 30 min north of Boston - right before the NH state line) - because of the 24 hour Dunkin Donuts right there! The trailhead is about 2 and half hours from Methuen.
July 15, 2011
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Michael D
We seem to be pretty far apart and since parking in Boston is typically tight, I vote for meeting at the REI in Reading and figuring things out from there.
Maybe one or two of us can carpool to REI too.
I'm in Boston the corner of Mass Ave and Beacon (90E Prudential center exit or 93/95N storrow --> kenmore exit).
Where are you, Tai, Marta?
What is an appropriate time to meet there?
July 15, 2011
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Tai
Marta, if you have transportation, could we meet along I93 or at REI in Reading, for example.
Michael, where between Boston & Carrigain could you meet?
July 13, 2011
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Tai
Have car w/ space for 4 passengers & gear. Will meet or pickup for carpool. Mobile is [masked].
July 11, 2011
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Michael D
Who all is either from the Boston area or in between Boston and Mt. Carrigain? I'm interested in putting together a carpool. Still haven't decided if it's going to be a 5 am departure or an overnight in NH. That part depends on the interest. Any takers?
July 11, 2011
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Andrew B
Looks like a fun trip! I remember that Desolation was a whole lot of fun. The steep part was exciting and you also get to see an uncut forest, which is sadly rare.
July 1, 2011
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A former member
Thanks for the heads up, Peg. I remember seeing your pics and hearing from Larry about how wet it was! Recent trip reports haven't mentioned tons of water, so I'm hopeful.... But I consider myself warned. ;)
June 27, 2011
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Peg
I love this hike but when we hiked this loop last fall, the trail after the notch was a complete river. I'm not sure how swampy it is in the summer, but be prepared as it may be wet. The Desolation trail is gnarly!
June 27, 2011
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