Wildcat Range

On Saturday, August 25th, six excited hikers met at the Nineteen Mile Brook parking area to tackle the WIldcat ridge trail on what looked to be a promising beautiful late summer day. We car pooled over to the Glen Ellis parking area and started our hike with a short side trip to Glen Ellis Falls. These falls have the power and grace rare among waterfalls in NE. They are two tiered with the larger fall having an impressive 54 foot drop. Well, only four of us actually enjoyed the falls, as a couple of us missed the extra detour and headed up the Wildcat ridge trail right away. We quickly caught up with them and group member #7 had also found us at this point. The group being complete, we were ready to climb up the strenuous stretch of the AT leading to the Wildcat ridge.

The trail is incredibly steep in the lower section, climbing almost vertically from the valley floor. Fortunately, the trail is extremely well maintained with carved steps into rocks and wooden pegs making the ascent somewhat easier. There are several ledges along the way with great views over the valley. To the North the skies were clear, but to the South clouds shrouded the peaks and obstructed the view of the Presidentials. Still the views were great and we took many breaks. After many more steep climbs and dips and false peaks and more rock scrambles, we finally reached Wildcat E, the first of five peaks along the ridge. After a quick pic we rushed over to the summit station of the Gondola servicing the Wildcat ski area where we had our well deserved lunch. There were breaks in the clouds, the sun was out and we could finally soak in the views of Mt Washington, Adams and Madison.

After lunch we followed the WIldcat ridge which leads to every higher peaks named D, C, B and A, A having an elevation of 4422 ft. D and A are two of the official 4000 footers in NH. Happy to report that the platform on D was rebuilt and the antennas removed. After C, some clouds rolled in and by the time we reached A a few drops started to fall. So much for a beautiful weather forecast! We were mostly in the clouds but could see glimpses of Carter Notch Hut below. After some snacks and congratulating each other for bagging more 4000 footers we followed the AT which now steeply descends into Carter Notch. There were a couple of rumbles of thunder in the distance, but fortunately, we stayed pretty dry.

The hike out was on the Nineteen Mile Brook trail, still 4 miles but on much gentler terrain. The trail follows the Brook with frequent and scenic crossings of streams. After the junction with Carter Dome Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook is dammed forming a perfect swimming hole. Two of us took the frigid plunge, others just soaked their feet, while others simply enjoyed the beautiful spot. Refreshed we quickly hiked the remainder to the parking lot finishing the hike shortly after 5 pm. Total distance was 8.7 miles but we all agreed it felt like at least 12.

Most of us headed over to Red Fox Pub serving the perfect food after a big-boy hike! Thanks Kevin (ISF500) for your generosity - we owe you. This was a most enjoyable hike with a great group of people. Thanks everyone for making this a memorable day in the Whites.

Trail Description: The Wildcat range offers some of the most dramatic views of Mt. Washington (see pic, taken right after a T-storm from Wildcat D). It traverses 5 peaks including two 4000 footers (Wildcat A & D). 

The ascent to Wildcat E is very steep and quite long (actually considered one of the most strenuous climbs of the AT by thru-hikers), but the reward are the many ledges along the way offering the most scenic views of the Presidentials, including Tuckerman and Huntington ravines. Hiking time will be longer than the length of the trail or maps might suggest.

After spotting cars we'll start at the Glen Ellis parking lot. After a brief visit to Glen Ellis falls we'll take the AT to the top of Wildcat E. This is a long and strenuous climb over exposed rock. The AT then follows the Wildcat ridge over the various Wildcat peaks before descending steeply into Carter Notch. Depending on the group we might take a brief detour to Carter Notch Hut. From the Notch we'll hike out on the easier 19 Mile Brook trail. 

Bring a lunch and plenty of water. We might experience the first fall like weather in late August, so bring an extra layer just in case. Total distance is 8.7 miles with and elevation gain of 3200 ft taking approximately 7 hours.

P.S.: On Aug. 23, 2003 I met two SOBO AT thru-hikers on top of Wildcat and that's where I go my trailname "Wildcat". Four years later I was thru-hiking. This is an anniversary hike for me and I thought it would be a great event for the GO community.

After the hike: We'll stop at the Red Fox Pub in Jackson, NH for Pub & Grub.