Backpack the Wildcat-Carter-Moriah Traverse
Details
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 6 - Strenuous
Trip Leader(s): Dennis Bouthillier, Thomas Kenyon, Deanna Kenyon
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000018UDF
Register By: 8/12/2026
Audience: Adults
Description: Join us for an epic 2 day, 21 mile traverse crossing 6 of New Hampshire’s 4000 foot summits, Wildcat D (4062), Wildcat A (4422), Carter Dome (4832), South Carter (4430), Middle Carter (4610), and Mount Moriah (4049), with several smaller summits along the way. This trek boasts steep rocky trails, scrambles, lakes and several stunning views stretching across Mount Washington, the Presidential Range, Maine and more.
The Wildcat-Carter-Moriah traverse is a highly challenging hike with rocky, varying terrain with several very steep ascents and descents. Participants should be comfortable on steep exposed scrambles as well as the steep downhill sections. The trip has a cumulative elevation gain total of approximately 7500 feet.
Those seeking to participate should consider the following pre-requisites: Possess a high level of fitness to handle the demands of this hike, including aerobic fitness for the heat/humidity of late August in the Whites. Recent hiking trips: At least two hiking trips in the last two months and at least one backpacking trip in the last year, preferably in the White Mountains or a similar region. Maintaining a steady uphill pace of 1.0-1.5 mph with a full pack needing limited breaks. A “dialed in” setup for all your gear including the four essentials (backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and tent). Participants should not be carrying unnecessary goods, since excessive weight will prevent our group from maintaining a consistent pace. Leaders will be weighing packs at the start of the hike.
The trip leaders reserve the right to modify or alter planned routes or cancel the trip at any time in the instance of any adverse/unforeseen event, unsafe trail conditions or inclement weather.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!