Carter Notch Hut, Bean's Purchase, NH

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire residents, the Carter Notch Hut represents more than just a place to sleep—it’s a living piece of White Mountain history and an unparalleled gateway to high-elevation adventure. Managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Carter Notch Hut is one of the original and most historic backcountry lodgings in the AMC Hut System. Established over a century ago (with the current structure dating to 1914), it offers a uniquely rugged, yet comfortable, experience deep within the White Mountain National Forest. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,288 feet, the hut is nestled in the dramatic Carter Notch, a spectacular pass flanked by the towering cliffs of Wildcat Mountain and Carter Dome.

This destination is not a typical drive-up campground. The hut is accessible only on foot, requiring a moderate but rewarding hike, making the eventual arrival feel like a true backcountry accomplishment. It operates on a dual-season model that caters to different types of adventurers: a 'Full-Service' season during the summer months and a 'Self-Service' season for the rest of the year. This flexibility allows local hikers, snowshoers, and winter adventurers to experience the beauty of the White Mountains year-round, all while reducing pack weight and fostering a vibrant community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The atmosphere is famously welcoming, offering a unique opportunity to connect with fellow hikers, including those traversing the legendary Appalachian Trail, which passes right by the hut.

The setting itself is profoundly beautiful. Guests are surrounded by the pristine, raw nature of the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges, with dramatic features like the two small Carter Lakes and the impressive, glacially-formed rock jumble known as “The Ramparts” just steps away. For New Hampshire locals looking to disconnect from the daily rush and immerse themselves in a challenging, yet supportive, mountain environment, Carter Notch Hut is a legendary destination.

Location and Accessibility

Carter Notch Hut is physically located in the wilderness area known as Bean's Purchase, Coos County, NH 03846, placing it deep within the eastern part of the White Mountain National Forest. Crucially, as a true backcountry lodging, the hut is not accessible by car; the adventure begins at the trailhead.

For New Hampshire locals, the most common and direct access point is the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail. The trailhead for this route is conveniently located off Route 16, just north of the Mount Washington Auto Road entrance. This makes it highly accessible for residents coming from the greater North Conway area, the Lakes Region, or even Southern New Hampshire, with a relatively short, scenic drive.

The hike itself via the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail is considered a moderate, approximately 3.8-mile trek with a total elevation gain of roughly 1,900 feet. It follows the brook for much of the way, offering a gentle, steady uphill climb through a beautiful forest canopy before a final ascent into the notch. For those seeking a greater challenge, the hut is connected to an extensive network of trails, including the Wildcat Ridge Trail and the Carter-Moriah Trail, making it an essential stop for high-elevation ridge hikes, including ascents of the nearby 4,000-foot peaks of Carter Dome and the Wildcat range. The hut also sits directly on the Appalachian Trail, solidifying its place as a central hub for serious hikers and backpackers across the Granite State and beyond.

Services Offered

The services at Carter Notch Hut change dramatically depending on the time of year, offering a versatile experience for New Hampshire adventurers:

Full-Service Season (Typically June through September): This is the classic hut experience, where guests enjoy the following services with their reservation:
- Home-Cooked Meals: A hearty, family-style dinner and a filling breakfast are prepared and served by the famous AMC “Croo.”
- Bunks and Bedding: Comfortable, mattress-equipped bunks are provided in unheated bunkhouses, along with blankets and a pillow with pillowcase.
- Potable Water and Facilities: Access to cold running water and shared composting or pit toilet facilities.
Self-Service Season (Typically late September through May): The hut operates with a caretaker and guests must be fully self-sufficient:
- Kitchen Access: Full use of the hut’s kitchen, including gas stovetops, ovens, cookware, and dishes, allowing guests to cook their own food (which must be packed in).
- Basic Lodging: Access to unheated bunkrooms with mattresses and pillows (guests must bring their own sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, often down to 0∘F or below in winter).
- Caretaker Presence: An AMC caretaker is on site to manage the facilities, provide information, and light a fire in the main building’s woodstove after 4 PM, offering a much-appreciated central warmth.
General Services (Year-Round):
- Educational Programs: During the full-service season, the Croo often performs informational skits or nature programs.
- Limited Retail: Snacks, merchandise, and limited essential gear are available for purchase during the day (cash is encouraged).

Features / Highlights

The Carter Notch Hut is renowned for several unique features that elevate it beyond a simple mountain shelter:

Historic and Rustic Charm: As one of the oldest huts in the AMC system, its log cabin-style main building exudes a century of mountain history and a cozy, remote feel, especially with the woodstove burning in the self-service season.
The Ramparts Boulder Field: Directly adjacent to the hut is this massive, geologically fascinating jumble of house-sized boulders, a result of a massive rock slide, which is excellent for exploration and photography.
Carter Lakes: Two small, pristine glacial ponds, Upper and Lower Carter Lakes, are located right in the notch, offering tranquil views and a picturesque spot for relaxing after a hike.
Backcountry Accessibility: It is one of only three AMC huts (along with Zealand and Lonesome Lake) that remain open for self-service lodging year-round, providing a rare opportunity for winter hiking and snowshoeing overnights in a managed structure.
Proximity to Summits: The hut is perfectly positioned for day-hikes to the summits of Wildcat Mountain and Carter Dome, both New Hampshire 4,000-footers, allowing hikers to drop their heavy packs at the hut for a more enjoyable climb.
The Croo Experience: During the summer, the interaction with the friendly, knowledgeable AMC Croo—who pack-in all supplies and pack-out all waste—is a highlight, offering trail advice and a memorable community feel.

Contact Information

As a backcountry facility, the Carter Notch Hut does not have a direct, continuously-manned telephone line. Reservations and inquiries are handled by the Appalachian Mountain Club’s central reservation office.

Address: Bean's Purchase, NH 03846, USA (Accessible via Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail off NH Route 16)

Phone: Reservations are typically handled by the AMC's general reservation number or online booking system. For general inquiries, the AMC Information Desk in Pinkham Notch is the best contact point.

General AMC Contact Phone: (603) 466-2727 (For reservations and general information)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Hampshire locals, the Carter Notch Hut is a quintessential White Mountain experience and a valuable resource for year-round outdoor recreation. It is an ideal venue for several reasons:

Firstly, it provides a safe, established introduction to high-elevation hiking and winter backcountry travel. The relatively moderate approach via the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail makes it manageable for fit families and those new to overnight mountain trips, while the structure itself provides a sturdy, weather-protected base camp in a state known for its unpredictable mountain conditions. This level of supported backcountry access is a privilege for Granite Staters.

Secondly, the dual-season model is perfect for locals who want to maximize their time in the mountains. During the summer, the full-service option transforms a multi-day hike into a lighter, more relaxed vacation, removing the burden of packing heavy food and cooking gear. In the winter, the self-service model offers the challenging, stripped-down adventure many New Hampshire outdoor enthusiasts seek, with the comfort of a warm woodstove and a roof over their head at night.

Finally, by staying at the hut, locals are directly connecting with and supporting the legacy of conservation and trail maintenance in their own state. The AMC’s hut system is a vital component of the White Mountain hiking infrastructure, and a visit to the Carter Notch Hut allows New Hampshire residents to take ownership of this unique heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rugged beauty of Bean's Purchase and the Carter-Moriah Range. It’s an irreplaceable New Hampshire tradition.