Hiking Carter-Moriah Trail head (Bangor Street) - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Carter-Moriah Trail head (Bangor Street): trails, map and practical info

White Mountains • New Hampshire

4.4 Appreciated by 4 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
19 km
Elevation
972 ft
Duration
8h30
Max altitude
1,215 ft

Gateway to Mount Moriah's summit in New Hampshire's White Mountains, this trailhead offers 6 to 8 hours of challenging hiking with panoramic views of the Presidential Range from Gorham.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Carter-Moriah Trail head (Bangor Street)? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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Planning Your Visit

Plan for a substantial day hike when tackling the Carter-Moriah Trail. The main route to Mount Moriah (9.0 miles) typically requires 9 to 11 hours to complete the round trip. For the extended Carter Mountains ridge traverse (14+ miles), plan for 10.5 to 11.5 hours or consider a backpacking trip. This timeframe allows for a steady pace with breaks for rest, photography, and summit enjoyment without feeling rushed. Starting early in the day gives you the best chance of completing your hike with plenty of daylight and often provides the clearest summit views before afternoon clouds potentially move in.

The trail's length and elevation gain make it suitable for hikers with good fitness levels and some mountain hiking experience. While the path is well-marked and maintained, the sustained climb requires endurance and proper preparation. The rocky and sometimes steep terrain demands attention to foot placement and benefits from sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Gorham, NH 03581, USA
GPS coordinates
44.3823606, -71.1693765
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To reach the trailhead, head to Bangor Street in Gorham. The parking area for the trail is located at the end of Bangor Street.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.3823606, -71.1693765
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.4
4 Reviews
WW
Weekend Wanderer
Feb 20, 2024
Excellent gateway to the Carter-Moriah range! The trailhead is straightforward to find at the end of Bangor Street. Plan for a full day adventure as most hikes from here take 6-8 hours. The access fee is worth it for the quality trails and mountain experience. Perfect for serious hikers looking to explore the White Mountains.
MH
Mountain Hiker
Feb 3, 2024
Convenient trailhead location in Gorham makes this easily accessible for day trips. The Carter-Moriah Trail from this starting point offers a good workout and connects to the wider White Mountains trail network. Parking fills up on weekends, so arrive early. Remember dogs aren't allowed on this trail system.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
Great starting point for accessing the Carter-Moriah range in the White Mountains. The trailhead at the end of Bangor Street in Gorham is well-marked and provides direct access to some excellent hiking opportunities. Note that parking requires a fee, so come prepared. The trail offers a solid 6-8 hour adventure with beautiful mountain views.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
Great starting point for accessing the Carter-Moriah range in the White Mountains. The trailhead at the end of Bangor Street in Gorham is well-marked and provides convenient access to this challenging trail system. Be prepared for a full day hike of 6-8 hours with significant elevation gain. Note that parking requires a fee, so bring cash or check payment options beforehand.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
972.00 m
1215.00 m
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
8h30
No
No
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Update : June 2026