Maine · Hiking

Carlo Col

Carlo ColPhoto: John Hayes (gravelboy), CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
4.0 mi
round trip
2,961 ft
climb
3,190 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Sep
best months

Is Carlo Col open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It doesn't name Carlo Col, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Carlo Col is a 4-mile out-and-back hike in Maine, set within Mahoosucs and on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The route climbs from a low point of 1,751 feet to a high of 3,190 feet, and the total elevation gain is about 2,961 feet, so the climb is steep and the return is just as much. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.5 miles in, with a grade of 27 percent. The land is managed by State Park and Recreation. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the Pinkham Notch weather station, about 20 miles away and roughly 1,200 feet below the high point, show July highs around 75°F with lows near 53°F. Winters there are cold, with January highs averaging about 26°F. Bikes and horses are allowed, and the trail surface is natural. The trip is estimated to take about 3 hours and is open year-round. Nearby, Goose Eye is about 1.4 miles away and Wright Trail about 1.5 miles. The Outlook climbing area and Lost Boys Area are both about 3 miles off across the line in New Hampshire.

  • Best time to go · Sep

    Best time to visit Carlo Col

    Best months: September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      26° / 6°

      14 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 7°

      13 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 15°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 27°

      13 wet

    5. May

      62° / 39°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      70° / 48°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 53°

      14 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 52°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 45°

      12 wet

    10. Oct

      54° / 35°

      14 wet

    11. Nov

      42° / 24°

      14 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 14°

      16 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Pinkham Notch, NH, 19.7 mi away at 2,025 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Goose EyePhoto: John Hayes (gravelboy), CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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HIKE

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