Summary

Join me for an modest 2-day backpack over Mt. Carrigain with a stay in the Stillwater Junction area before returning via Norcross and Nancy Ponds.  We will hike over Mt. Carrigain (4700') using the Signal Ridge and Desolation Trails into the Pemigewasset Wilderness for an overnight in the area around Stillwater Junction.  Despite the 3300-foot elevation gain this trail mostly follows the old access route to the former summit fire tower (now an elevated viewing platform) and its grades are relatively moderate.  There are great panoramic views from the ridge and summit tower...in fact, on a good day 43 other 4000-footers in the Whites can be seen from its peak.  Stillwater Junction is the site of an old railroad junction for spur lines, which fanned out into the wilderness.  There are some excellent camping spots along the Shoal Pond, Norcross and Carrigain Brooks...along with great swimming holes and cascades.  There should be ample time to swim and just relax.  We'll return via the Nancy Pond Trail, where we'll pass Nancy and Norcross Ponds as well as the beautiful Nancy Cascades.

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  The mileage for each of the two days will be approximately 8-9 miles with about 3380 feet in elevation gain on Saturday and 1300 feet in elevation gain on Sunday.  NOTE:  The total mileage will depend on where we camp, but it is expected to be about 17 miles.

Harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  You will need a pack, tent/bivy, sleeping bag/pad, extra dry clothes/towel, food for 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast, headlamp, bear bag/cannister, camp stove, water filter, etc. (some double up is possible for shared equipment...tents, bear bags, stoves, water filter).  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Snacks and at least 2 liters of water (water can be filtered along the way).  Optionally, pack bug repellent, sunscreen, swimsuit/towel and anything else that you may require for a multi-day hike.  NOTE:  This will be primative camping in the wilderness.

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area on Sunday.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

We will initially meet up at the Nancy Pond Trailhead on Route 302 in Hart's Location (Notchland/Bartlett), NH.  From the junction of Routes 3 and 302 in Twin Mountain, travel east along Route 302 for 17.7 miles.  From the junction of Routes 16 and 302 in Glen, travel west along Route 302 for 11.3 miles.  The trailhead is on the southside of the road with roadside parking.  Look for a gray Hyundai Elantra.  Once we are all together, we will carpool to the Signal Ridge Trailhead on Sawyer River Road.

For GPS Users:  Route 302; Bartlett, NH  (44.103761, -71.352725).  To obtain custom directions, copy and paste the GPS coordinates directly into Google Maps.