New Hampshire Haunted Hut Trek
A haunted trip in New Hampshire’s wild White Mountains
Celebrate Halloween (costume and all!) in the remote wilderness surrounding Carter Notch, a feral landscape of high-alpine peaks, cool mountain ponds and one cozy (albeit haunted) hut to provide shelter at night. In this two day, two night expedition, we will hike over sinister peaks such as Wildcat Mountain and Carter Dome, which, at more than 4,000 feet high, tower ominously above our haunted home for the weekend. At night, prepare to dazzle the group with your most frightening, hilarious or bizarre backcountry costume. The Carter Notch range lies within the White Mountain National Forest, covering the majority of New Hampshire, and is home to 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, five National Wilderness Areas and limitless inspiring adventures.
Event Details
- Friday, October 30 Depart 73rd Street and Broadway, 3:00 PM
- Saturday, October 31 Hike White Mountains; haunted hut costume contest
- Sunday, November 1 Hike out and return to NYC
- Meals Most meals are included; bring food and money for the drive up Friday, and Sunday (lunch on the road).
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Alpine Lodge & Hut
Friday
Our lodge Friday night is a modern, spacious and comfortable bunkhouse nestled in the Shadow of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. The lodge is complete with coed bunkrooms, a cozy game room with fireplace, and is adjacent to the visitor center, where you may find a plethora of local information and grab any last-minute belongings for the trip. Individual amenities include single beds, linens, showers, towels, soap and shampoo. Breakfast is included on Saturday morning, 8:00 AM.
Saturday
Our home for halloween is the oldest hut in the Appalachian Mountain Club system. Originally constructed as a small log cabin in 1904, the structure was rebuilt in 1914 with the intention to support hiking parties seeking refuge from the elements. It is believed to be haunted by “Red Mac” MacGregor, a 1920’s hut manager well known for his pranks directed toward resident caretakers.
Today, the main hut building is heated by wood stove and furnished with a full kitchen and dining area. The sleeping quarters can accommodate 40 people in two unheated bunkhouses, with each coed room sleeping four to six people. Guests will have access to kitchen facilities, mattress, pillow and bathrooms. No blankets are provided (bring a sleeping bag.) Meals include lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast Sunday morning.

Itinerary
Friday
Arrive in the White Mountains
We will leave NYC on Friday afternoon and head into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, stopping for dinner along the way. Our destination tonight is a modern and comfortable lodge nestled in the Shadow of Mount Washington, the tallest in the Northeast. Sleep well tonight, for there is much mischief to be had in the days to follow.
Itinerary
Saturday
Halloween Hiking
Breakfast will be served by lodge chefs at 8:00 AM sharp. After breakfast, we will pack our backpacks, candy and costumes and head into the remote and picturesque White Mountain wilderness. Everyone will be asked to carry a portion of the food to our lodge—so make sure you have a medium or large backpack. Don’t worry though, your guide will do all the cooking! A short, five-mile hike will bring us to the calamitous quarters of Carter Notch hut, our base camp for the weekend. The hut rests at 3,290 feet above sea level and is bordered by two stunning mountain ponds. According to legend, the hut is also haunted by a prank-happy ghost from the days of old. From this backcountry home, we will cover ten miles, hike 4,000 feet in elevation and relish in Halloween pranks over two full days. Once back at the hut, prepare to party! Everyone should don their scariest, funniest, most irreverent and bizarre costumes to bring in this Halloween evening. Your Outdoor Bound guide (and any other bystanders) will be diligently taking notes to award the winner for best costume at the end of the night. Other activities this night include cooking a feast, mini pumpkin carving, ghost-story telling and if we’re lucky, stargazing through the crisp, cool, clean mountain air.

Itinerary
Sunday
Return Home
If you’ve managed to sleep amidst the pranks of old MacGregor, you will be awoken to the smells of hot drinks in the kitchen. Today, we indulge upon a hearty backcountry breakfast, pack our backpacks once again and say goodbye to our haunted hut. Total hiking distance is five miles back to civilization and then off to NYC by 8:00 PM, stopping for food along the way.

Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
Overview
Adventures at All Skill Levels
We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.
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Activity
How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
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Distances
You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
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Surfaces
What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
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Elevation Change
The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
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Altitude
The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
Level 1
Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful
Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.
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Activity
You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.
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Distances
For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.
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Surfaces
You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.
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Elevation Change
There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.
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Altitude
Less than 3,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
Level 2
Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers
Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.
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Activity
You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.
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Distances
Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.
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Surfaces
You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.
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Elevation Change
There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.
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Altitude
From sea level to 6,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
Level 3
Moderate — for Novices and Above
Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.
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Activity
We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.
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Distances
Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.
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Surfaces
We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.
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Elevation Change
There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.
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Altitude
From sea level to 10,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
Level 4
Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills
Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.
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Activity
You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.
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Distances
Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.
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Surfaces
These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.
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Elevation Change
There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.
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Altitude
From sea level to 14,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
Level 5
Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers
Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.
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Activity
You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.
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Distances
You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.
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Surfaces
On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.
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Elevation Change
There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.
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Altitude
Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.
This journey will cover 13 miles and gain 5,000 feet in elevation. You need to be in strong physical shape, experienced in hiking, and have appropriate clothing/gear (see Gear List).
Everything you need for a great weekend escape!
- Halloween costume
- Hiking boots
- Comfy shoes/slippers
- Hiking socks (two pairs minimum)
- Base top layer (wicking t-shirt)
- Mid top layer (wicking long sleve, mid-weight)
- Heavy layer (sweater or fleece)
- Pants, hiking shorts
- Long underwear/thermals
- Fleece top and pants
- Down coat/insulated parka
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Sleeping bag rated at least 15 degrees (while you won’t see temperatures that cold, it will ensure a good night’s sleep)
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Money for meals on the road Friday and Sunday
- Trekking poles (optional, but very helpful on the descents, especially if you have knee issues)
- Liner socks (optional)
- Camera (optional)
Why such wintry gear? The White Mountains are famous for gnarly weather that changes quickly. “There is no bad weather, only unprepared hikers.”
Don’t have something? Go to Tents & Trails and tell them you are signed up for Outdoor Bound’s White Mountains trip and you will receive a 10% discount. See our Partners page for details.

Register
New Hampshire Haunted Hut Trek
Bringing a Friend or Two?
Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.
Reminder about Trip Conditions
We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.
Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.
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