Absolutely amazing trail....if you end up doing the entire ridge, you can complete two 4,000 footers, and the views from every peak are absolutely astounding. Up for a challenge? Wildcat Ridge will become one of your favorites. It's definitely not for the faint of heart...roughly the first two miles of the hike are an aggressive uphill...with a little bit of bouldering opportunities along the way. After the first few miles, the trail then ends with an impressive down-ward climb. If you have trouble with your knees or ankles, you may want to rethink this hike.
All-in-all, one of my favorite hikes in the White Mountains!
**Note: There is one rather aggressive stream crossing, at the beginning of the hike. You can skip the stream crossing and add a mile or so on to your hike by starting at the Lost Pond Trail. Lost Pond Trail starts a little farther down Rte. 16, across from the Pinkham Notch
Visitors Center.**
Directions:
Coming from Jackson, NH:
1) Follow Rte. 16 North up through Jackson, into the State Forest.
2) At the Glen Ellis Vista (which will appear on your left roughly 7 miles after entering the State Forest), turn left into the parking.
**Note, to park at Glen Ellis, you will need to purchase a State Forest pass. Passes can be purchased at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center (a little farther down Rte. 16 or at the trail-head kiosk). **
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ByPosted By: oldetowneteamfan
- Mon May 11 08:35:26 EDT 2009
UpsideOne of the tougher hikes in the Whites. If you like to feel the heart pump from a strenuous hike, this is one of the better ones! I love this trail! As far as the AT goes, I would rate the Wildcat Ridge Trail second in challenge only to Mahoosuc Notch Trail. You need to be in shape and patient for the payoff.
DownsideThis is one spectacular hike, but I hate the numerous gully traverses on the ridge! In my nind, this is the only downside.
CommentBring ibuprofen! The view into Carter Notch from A peak is one of the finest in the Whites. Making it from Pinkham to Carter Notch will definitely give you a sense of accomplishement! This trail is not for the faint of heart! Also, if you're into backcountry geocaching (like me), there are some great finds along the way.
Posted By: oldetowneteamfan
