The summit of Mount Moriah is located at 4,049 feet, and 5 miles Southeast of Gorham, NH. It lies within the Carter-Moriah Range in the White Mountains. The shortest route to the summit is by taking the Carter-Moriah trail, which goes over the summit of Mount Surprise (2,194′) before reaching the summit of Moriah. The trail somewhat easy in comparison to other NH 4,000 footer mountains, but, can be dangerous in wet conditions. The summit of Mount Moriah is exposed above tree line, offering panoramic, 360 degree views of the Presidential Range and the Carter-Moriah Range on a clear day.
Elevation: 4,049 feet (1,234 meters)
Elevation gain:Â 3,264 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 9 miles roundtrip
Duration(book time): 5-6 hours
Trails
Carter-Moriah Trail – 9 Miles Round Trip – 3,264 feet of elevation gain
Start your hike at the Carter-Moriah trail head and follow along the Carter-Moriah Trail for roughly 2 miles. You will then reach the open summit of Mount Surprise. Continue along the Carter-Moriah Trail for another 2.5 miles until you reach the summit of Mount Moriah with excellent views.
Alternative routes
Stony Brook Trail – 9.2 Miles Round Trip
For a 9.2 mile roundtrip hike, start by hiking along the Stony Brook trail until you reach the junction for the Carter-Moriah Trail. Turn onto the Carter Moriah Trail and continue to hike roughly 1.4 more miles until you reach the summit of Mount Moriah.
Rattle River Trail
This trail provides one of the shortest routes to reach the summit. Follow along the Rattle River trail, also known as the Appalachian trail, for 4.3 miles until you reach the Kenduskeag Trail junction. The Rattle River Shelter is located about 1.7 into the trail, and is a popular place for A.T. thru-hikers to camp overnight.
Hiking in winter
Hiking in winter above tree-line can be extreme and dangerous in inclement weather. Moriah is generally less traveled than other 4,000 footers, making it a little more essential to bring all of the proper winter hiking equipment and be prepared. This is a great winter hike as it doesn’t feature tons of icy and dangerous sections.
Camping and overnight hiking options
AMC’s Imp Campsite is located 2.1 miles southeast of Moriah’s summit on the Imp Shelter spur trail, just off the Carter-Moriah trail. The Rattle River Shelter is located beside the Rattle River Trail. No fee nor caretaker.
Parking
Carter-Moriah Trail
The trailhead is located in Gorham New Hampshire off of Bangor Road. No WMNF parking pass is required. The parking area is located in a residential neighborhood. Stony Brook Trail: The trailhead sign is located roughly two miles south of Gorham, on Rt 16. A WMNF Parking pass is required.
Rattle River Trail
Located on Route 2 at the Rattle River bridge, right near North Road. Roughly 4 miles from downtown Gorham, New Hampshire.
Stony Brook Trail
The trailhead parking area for Stony Brook trail is located on Route 16, roughly two miles south of Gorham, New Hampshire.
Directions
To get to the Carter-Moriah trailhead
NH 2 East, leaving Gorham, cross over bridge and railroad tracks. Take a turn sharp right onto Bangor Road: 0.2 mi. after crossing bridge. Across street from Androscoggin Country Club golf course. It will be on a paved road, residential neighborhood. Follow to its end at 0.5 mi.until you reach the trailhead parking sign. No WMNF parking pass is required.
To get to the Stony Brook trailheadÂ
Trailhead sign is located roughly two miles south of Gorham, on Rt 16. The parking lot will be a short distance up a spur road. A WMNF Parking pass is required.
Weather
Although the summit of Moriah is substantially lower than nearby Mt Washington, Mount Moriah’s summit is entirely exposed to bad weather and should not be attempted in inclement weather. Hiking above tree line in the White Mountains requires specialized gear, equipment and skills.
Gorham, NH
Overnight
Patchy fog. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday
Patchy fog before 9am, then a chance of rain showers between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night
Patchy fog after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind around 10 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday
Rain showers and patchy fog before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 57. South wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Thursday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Juneteenth
A chance of rain showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Nearby Hikes
The Carter Moriah Range consists of some beautiful summits. One of the most frequently completed hikes is Carter Dome. While the summit of Carter Dome doesn’t have great views, the very close by Mount Hight is stunning.
Additional photos
Mount Moriah summit marker
Photo credit – Alexius Horatius
