Hiking in Wildcat “B”, New Hampshire: trails, map and practical info

Description

Wildcat Mountain stands as one of the most distinctive peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains, offering hikers a challenging ridge traverse with spectacular views across Pinkham Notch. Located in Coos County, this prominent mountain forms part of the Carter-Moriah Range and presents a dramatic eastern wall rising above the famous notch that separates it from Mount Washington to the west.

The mountain's unique character comes from its five distinct summits—labeled A through E—that stretch along a curved ridge extending two miles south and west. This configuration creates an engaging traverse that takes hikers across multiple peaks, each offering different perspectives of the surrounding White Mountain wilderness. The ridge walk between summits provides some of the most rewarding hiking in the region, with open ledges and panoramic vistas that showcase the rugged beauty of northern New Hampshire.

The Five Summits

Wildcat A, the highest point at 4,422 feet, anchors the northern end of the ridge and ranks among New Hampshire's official four-thousand footers. The summit provides commanding views across Carter Notch to Carter Dome in the northeast and sweeping vistas west toward Mount Washington's imposing bulk. Peak D, at 4,062 feet, claims the distinction of being the second official four-thousand footer on the ridge, though it took some time to earn this recognition.

The middle summits—B at 4,305 feet and C at 4,285 feet—actually rise higher than Peak D but lack sufficient topographic prominence to qualify as independent four-thousand footers. These peaks serve as scenic waypoints along the ridge traverse, offering their own unique viewpoints and adding to the adventure of crossing the entire ridge. Peak E, at 4,046 feet, presents an interesting bit of mountaineering history, having once appeared on the official four-thousand footer list when it was believed to be higher than Peak D. Current topographic mapping has clarified that Peak D holds the greater elevation, relegating E to subpeak status.

Trail Access and Hiking Experience

The Appalachian Trail provides the primary hiking route up Wildcat Mountain, beginning its ascent from the Appalachian Mountain Club's Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch. This approach puts hikers immediately into serious terrain, as the trail climbs steadily through dense forest before emerging onto the exposed ridge. The white blazes of the AT guide hikers across all five summits, creating a natural traverse route that continues northeast toward Carter Dome.

The 14.8-kilometer hike involves 1,317 meters of elevation gain and typically requires three to five hours to complete, making it a very challenging undertaking that demands good physical conditioning and proper preparation. The trail's difficulty stems not just from the elevation gain but from the sustained effort required to traverse the entire ridge, with multiple ascents and descents between the various peaks.

Hikers will encounter varied terrain throughout the climb, starting in the mixed hardwood and coniferous forests typical of the White Mountains' lower elevations. As the trail gains altitude, the forest transitions to the stunted spruce and fir characteristic of higher elevations, before breaking out onto the open ledges and alpine zones near the summits. These exposed areas can be particularly challenging in adverse weather, with strong winds and rapidly changing conditions common above treeline.

Seasonal Considerations and Skiing

Wildcat Mountain's dual identity as both a hiking destination and major ski resort adds unique character to the area. The Wildcat Mountain Ski Area operates one of New England's best-known alpine skiing facilities, with lifts running from the base on Route 16 in Pinkham Notch up 2,112 feet to the D summit. The ski area encompasses 49 trails spread across 225 acres, including the famous Polecat Trail, which holds the distinction of being New Hampshire's longest ski trail.

During hiking season, the presence of the ski infrastructure creates interesting contrasts, with hikers sometimes sharing views with ski lift towers and cleared slopes. However, the wilderness character of the ridge remains largely intact, particularly on the northern peaks away from the ski area development.

Winter brings additional opportunities for backcountry enthusiasts through the Wildcat Valley Trail, an ungroomed cross-country skiing route that descends from the summit all the way to Jackson, New Hampshire. This remarkable trail drops 3,240 feet over 11.1 miles, creating one of the most dramatic ski descents in the region. Cut in 1972, it has become a signature route within the extensive trail network maintained by the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.

Strategic Location and Views

Wildcat Mountain's position on the eastern side of Pinkham Notch places it at the heart of some of the White Mountains' most dramatic scenery. The mountain faces Mount Washington directly across the notch, providing hikers with front-row seats to observe the weather patterns and seasonal changes on New England's highest peak. This proximity to Mount Washington also means that Wildcat often experiences similar weather conditions, requiring hikers to prepare for potentially severe and rapidly changing mountain weather.

The views northeast across Carter Notch toward Carter Dome reveal the wild character of this less-traveled section of the White Mountains. The notch itself, carved by glacial action, creates a dramatic gap between the mountain ranges that adds geological interest to the hiking experience. From various points along the ridge, hikers can trace the path of the Appalachian Trail as it continues its journey through this remote section of New Hampshire's mountains.

The ridge traverse nature of the Wildcat hike means that views constantly change as hikers progress from peak to peak. Each summit offers slightly different perspectives, keeping the visual experience fresh throughout the challenging climb. The combination of technical hiking, sustained elevation, and spectacular mountain vistas makes Wildcat Mountain a worthy objective for experienced hikers seeking a demanding day in New Hampshire's premier mountain range.