Carter Notch Hut

For residents of New Hampshire, the **Carter Notch Hut** represents a cherished tradition of backcountry adventure. As one of the eight legendary high-mountain huts managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), it offers a unique form of lodging deep within the White Mountain National Forest. Unlike traditional campgrounds where you pitch your own tent, a stay at the Hut provides rustic, comfortable shelter, and, during the full-service season, delicious, home-cooked meals. This allows Granite State hikers to enjoy the challenge of the mountains without the burden of a heavy food and gear pack.

The Hut is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to 1914, making it the oldest building in the AMC hut chain. It is strategically situated in the spectacular glacial gorge of Carter Notch, a truly remote and breathtaking setting surrounded by towering cliffs and the immense boulder field known as The Ramparts. For the local outdoor enthusiast, a trip to Carter Notch Hut is a quintessential New Hampshire experience, blending rugged wilderness access with a welcoming, communal atmosphere.

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Introduction / Overview

The Carter Notch Hut is not a drive-up campground; it is a backcountry lodge located at an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet (1,006 meters) above sea level in Bean's Purchase, New Hampshire. It is accessible only by foot, requiring a dedicated hike-in—an integral part of the experience. The facility is a compound comprising a main hut structure and separate unheated bunkhouses, providing shared, co-ed sleeping quarters. It operates on two distinct schedules: a **Full-Service Season** (typically mid-June through late-September) where meals are provided, and a **Self-Service Season** (the remainder of the year) where guests must carry in and prepare their own food.

The primary purpose of the Hut is to provide a safe, supported base for hikers traversing the high peaks, particularly those exploring the Carter-Moriah Range. Its model of rustic, shared lodging promotes a strong sense of community, allowing hikers from all backgrounds to gather, share stories, and receive crucial information from the resident Hut "Croo" or caretaker. This makes it an ideal stepping stone for those looking to transition from day hiking to multi-day backpacking in the challenging White Mountains environment.

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Location and Accessibility

Carter Notch Hut is located in the rugged area known as Bean's Purchase, New Hampshire, a remote township in Coos County. Its position at the eastern end of the AMC's hut system makes it a key feature of the region's vast trail network.

The physical location is within the White Mountain National Forest:

Bean's Purchase, NH 03846, USA

Accessibility is exclusively on foot. The most common and moderate route for local hikers is the **Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail**, which begins near Route 16 in Green's Grant. This route is approximately 3.8 miles (6.1 km) one-way with an elevation gain of around 1,900 feet, making it a manageable day hike for most experienced hikers. More challenging approaches include routes over the Wildcat Ridge Trail from Pinkham Notch. The Hut is near the Appalachian Trail (AT) but is one of the few huts not situated directly on the main AT footpath. Trailheads often have shuttle stops for easier transportation planning. As expected in this high-mountain location, there is no Wi-Fi and cell service is extremely limited.

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Services Offered

The services at Carter Notch Hut are designed for high-mountain comfort and practicality, adapting significantly between the summer and winter seasons.

• **Full-Service Season (Summer):** Includes family-style, home-cooked dinners and breakfasts prepared and served by the Hut Croo. Dinner is served promptly at 6:00 PM and breakfast at 7:00 AM.
• **Lodging:** Comfortable individual bunks with mattresses, three wool blankets, and a pillow are provided. Bunkrooms are unheated and co-ed.
• **Water & Sanitation:** Potable water is available. The hut provides composting toilets (or vault toilets in the winter) located a short walk from the main building and bunkhouses.
• **Daytime Access:** The main hut building is open during the day for resting, water refills, and purchasing snacks, hot drinks, and limited merchandise (cash is recommended).
• **Self-Service Season (Off-Season):** Guests must bring their own food and sleeping gear. A full-use kitchen with a stove, oven, cookware, and dishes is available, and a caretaker provides potable water. The main hut may have a fire lit after 4:00 PM for warmth.
• **Trip Planning & Education:** AMC staff provide trip planning assistance, weather updates, and often present evening informational programs or skits.
• **BYOB Policy:** Guests are permitted to bring and responsibly consume their own alcoholic beverages.

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Features / Highlights

Carter Notch Hut is famous among New Hampshire hikers for its stunning location and surrounding natural features, which offer endless exploration.

• **The Ramparts:** A spectacular, massive jumble of house-sized boulders scattered across the floor of Carter Notch, a result of a 19th-century rock slide. This area is a must-see for its unique, geologic drama.
• **Carter Lakes:** Two small, picturesque glacial ponds (Upper and Lower Carter Lake) situated near the Hut, perfect for relaxing by the shore or a quick, chilly dip. They are also stocked with trout for fishing enthusiasts.
• **Hiking Connectivity:** The Hut serves as a hub for accessing major peaks, including a short, steep climb to the Wildcat Ridge Trail (leading to Wildcat Mountain) and the Carter-Moriah Trail (leading to Carter Dome and the panoramic views from Mount Hight).
• **Unplugged Experience:** With no Wi-Fi or electricity for charging devices, the Hut provides a mandatory digital detox, encouraging community interaction, reading from the small library, and attending the evening programs.
• **Historic Structure:** The Hut's age and unique compound layout provide a deep connection to the history of outdoor recreation and conservation in the White Mountains.

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Contact Information

Reservations and information for Carter Notch Hut are centralized through the Appalachian Mountain Club’s headquarters.

Address: Bean's Purchase, NH 03846, USA (Located deep in the White Mountain National Forest)

Reservations Phone: (603) 466-2727 (AMC Contact Service Center)

Trail Information Phone: (603) 466-2721 (AMC Trails Information Desk)

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the summer Full-Service Season, and should be made well in advance through the AMC website or contact center.

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What is Worth Choosing

Carter Notch Hut is an exceptional choice for New Hampshire residents looking for an authentic, fully supported backcountry experience without committing to traditional, self-supported backpacking. It is worth choosing for the convenience of having meals prepared for you during the main season, eliminating the need to pack heavy food. This factor alone makes challenging, multi-day hut-to-hut traverses across the White Mountains an achievable goal for local hikers of varying skill levels, including families.

Furthermore, the Hut’s unique location—tucked away in a high, dramatic notch—offers unparalleled access to stunning hiking destinations like the Wildcat and Carter-Moriah ranges. Staying at the oldest hut in the system allows you to participate in a piece of New Hampshire’s legendary outdoor heritage while enjoying the companionship of other hikers. If you are seeking a memorable blend of challenge, community, and comfort in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Carter Notch Hut is the premier choice.

Carter Notch Hut

Bean's Purchase, NH 03846, USA