Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pole Cat Ski Trail, Wildcat Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

When your younger brother signs up for his first ever trail running ultra and just happens to win it, you tell as many hikers the next day that will listen. So thanks to all for listening, and congrats to Scott on the Devil's Den 12 hour showing yesterday! The ski trails are in great hiking shape after a bunch of work over the last few months. Footing is mostly solid and fast, meaning a great workout up and fast descent. The ridge is also in great shape, which I attribute to a couple of years without AT foot traffic, but I may just be making that up. There are a few muddy or slippery spots, but overall it's a pleasantly jagged hike. Always great to see Steph and Stacie (sorry if I misspelled either name...) on the trail. Keep knocking off those peaks!

Parking

Wide open lot at the ski area all day

Water Crossings

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Polecat Ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

With the blustery winds this was a perfect choice. The winds were blowing on the ski trails but it sure made the clouds beautiful. The ski trails were pretty dry and with the cold temps, where there was mud, it was pretty frozen. Some of the run off was actually ice which was just a gentle reminder that winter is around the corner. There was a lovely dusting of snow once I got up higher and still more ice here and there on the WRT. The dusting of snow on the bog bridges made them slick and I didn't trust any of them for good footing. The rocks were wet here and there and anytime anything looked wet, I just checked it to be sure it was wet and not ice. I got some views all along the way which was really nice. I bumped into Capt Chris and Ken the Flight Engineer which was great. I did and OAB today since I was solo and by the time I was headed back the sun was warming things nicely and some of the mud was less frozen. I only saw 3 people all day and just enjoyed puttering around and admiring the beautiful views and weather. This was just a gift of a day!

Parking

I was the lone car in the Wildcat parking lot first thing this morning but when I returned there were 3 others near me with oodles of room for more.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Definitely back in Hell today.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Polecat, Wildcat Ridge Trail, 19 Mile Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Ski area very dry, ridge was mostly dry, some mud and puddles. The steep down descending A was dry. Lotsa leaves on the 19 mile brook trail descent made it tedious for wanting to stop thinking about where I was placing my feet at the end of the day. Wobby legged from Saturday made it feel longer

Parking

Both the ski area and 19mi brook trailheads were pretty chill. Appalachia was its normal overflowing weekend mess

Water Crossings

All hops or bridged

Wildlife

N/A

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Nineteen Mile, Wildcat Ridge, Wildcat Ski Access Road, Route 16

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice loop route this morning. A bit chilly to start but that’s what fall morning hikes are all about! Leaves are starting to accumulate on trail but didn’t really impact travel as quite a bit of foot traffic have ground them down. Trails were dry for the most part. The trail from Carter notch intersection to Wildcat Mountain was dry, which made that section more enjoyable. Saw very few people on this route of travel and I didn’t get hit by leaf peepers filming while they were driving or yanking the car off in the ditch to get a shot of the presidential range on my run back to trailhead so I’ll take that as a sign it was a great day!

Water Crossings

All water crossings on 19 mile brook trail were either bridged or rockhoppable.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Camp Dodge Cutoff, South Imp Branch, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Polecat, Road, NH Route 16

Trail Conditions

Notes

Parked at Great gulf so I could actually have a semi-decent spot to set up and get ready for ripping up and across some ridges. There was also a Gorham 10k race starting outta this lot in addition to flags on the 48 and typical weekend 4k madness so simply leaving the lot, crossing the road and getting above camp dodge felt like the first monumental achievement of the day. Pretty basic slog up to the ridge then Middle carter was rather muddy, otherwise very dry, basic and straightforward cross the ridge and down to the hut. Amazing break and then another stiff climb up to Wildcat A and summit mudpits. Pretty dry from B summit over to the ski area and down Polecat. 48x11 on Carter Dome and month 11 gridout on Wildcat D. (OMG I'm gonna finish the grid next month!!!) Walked a couple miles of route 16 before getting a much enjoyed ride the last mile to my car

Parking

All lots overflowing, Appalachia had cars a 1/2 mile in each direction in am and pm

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Annoying big flies on the Carters

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I knew it was supposed to rain until 9am but having done these in the rain before I was fine with that. I actually like the footing on the ski trails better when they are wet. The rain did provide better traction. The WRT was wet and muddy and stayed that way the whole morning. The rain didn't let up until I was back at D for the second time (OAB due to no car spot). With care the rocks were managed without any slips or falls. The muddy sections were super muddy. There are rocks and logs and limbs placed here and there to help you keep your feet dry but be sure to poke anything you think is a rock to be sure it is. That gray looking mud gets me everytime and there may have been hooting once or twice. It was so nice to see Heather and Rhynnie doing a Cats and Carters hike and I saw quite a few more hikers than I expected on a rainy socked in morning. It cleared up nicely and I had all the views heading back down the ski trails to my car, proving once again that the early bird only seems to get the spider webs. :P

Parking

The one and only car in the hiker lot for the ski area. Plenty of room!

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Back in Hell or so it seems.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Road, Dodge cutoff, Imp, North Carter Trail, Carter Moriah, Carter Dome, Wildcat Ridge, Ski trails

Trail Conditions

Notes

What a day to hike in the clouds! If you have to get wet, it might as be about 60 degrees while you are. Trails are in mostly good shape but have gotten muddy in spots, particularly on Wildcat Ridge Trail. Go out with confidence, but be ready to get muddy. Also great to run into jeffb for the second day in a row, as well as seeing the most recent Trailwrights 72 completer Barry! A great day to see friendly faces. Fun note: Boston groups of 10 people, you don't need to tell others you're from Boston. We know.

Parking

A few spots at 19 mile brook at 9am. Road parking only by the afternoon.

Water Crossings

Nothing notable

Trails Used

Ski trails and Wildcat Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I didn't realize that Wildcat resort had summer operations. the lift was open for scenic rides and I think I saw a sign for disc golf. no crowds! definitely a different tourist vibe in Pinkham vs. Franconia. A great day to be out with my friend BSK who I haven't seen in 2 years. We saw and chatted with many NOBO thru hikers which I think BSK enjoyed. He is a triple crowner and is planning another trip out to the PCT.

Parking

plenty if you park at the ski resort.

Water Crossings

nada

Wildlife

none.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Polecat Ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail, 19 Mile Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Thanks to Steve and Joe for the very kind car spot so I could start at the ski trails and walk back to my car. The dampness and humidity was helpful in making the ski trails a little less gravelly and provided a bit more traction. It was lovely to bump into Lynda and Becky and walk up to the summit together. They headed back down and I continued on. The rocks on the WRT were sweaty from the humidity and there were more areas of mud than last month. Most of the mud was avoidable but it was not supportive if I walked through it. The descent from Wildcat A was tedious due to the wettish rocks. The hike out 19 Mile Brook was pleasant and I had the chance to talk to several NOBOS, one of whom I have been following on her YouTube channel since she started. That totally made my day! I saw many happy hikers on their way to the hut as well. Everyone seemed to really be enjoying the day!

Parking

There were a handful of cars parked at 19 Mile Brook trail at 6:10am. By the time I returned, the lot was full and cars were parked on the road.

Water Crossings

Nothing tricky at all today.

Wildlife

There were a few annoying gnats along the skil trails but I wasn't bothered anywhere else. No need for bug spray.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

NH route 16, Camp Dodge Cutoff, South Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, 19 Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Polecat, NH Route 16

Trail Conditions

Notes

Funsies post work loop to gridout July on Wildcat D and 48x10 on South Carter. Lotta rocks that were that lovely level of just wet damp and slimy to shuffle skate on steeps, but little risk of slippage. Many puddles in the flats around the ponds and on the ridges. First time on Hight in 8 years, and forgot how steep the north side of it is, tho views were spectacular. Bog bridges were all dry enough to avoid any infamous moments. Had a few up and close wildlife encounters on the night ride home post hike

Parking

Lot mostly full @4pm, mostly empty @1am

Water Crossings

All rock hops

Wildlife

Mothman was spotted on polecat

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a lovely day for an out and back to grab these. There is construction work going on at Wildcat so you have to walk a little farther before you start to cut up to the uphill access trails. There is signage indication what sections are employees only. The ski trail were super dry which always makes the footing more tedious. The WRT is in awesome shape. Much better footing and the rocky sections were all dry which made for faster going in both directions. I only saw a handful of hikers today but all seemed to be having a great day. It's always nice to finish a hike before lunch time!

Parking

I was the first hiker car in the lot at Wildcat. There were 3 others when I finished.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

I applied DEET at the parking lot as a preventative. I did use my bug net on the ski trails because the black flies were super obnoxious and were all in my personal space. They were not really much of a bother on the WRT though.

Trails Used

Polecat Ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I needed something QUICK for my calendar day grid before my children all descended on my house for our weekly visit and dinner so this was perfect. The ski trails were wet and muddy in some areas but I prefer that because I feel like the traction on the gravel is better. Snow started around 3800 feet but was just off to the sides of the ski trails. The WRT has a little snow here and there but was totally avoidable. The platform had snow on it but with the rain and warm temps, it should be melted out quickly. I bumped into only 3 people today and knew all of them. I love that! :)

Parking

Plenty of room at the ski area. I was the second car in the lot.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

They were just hanging around a little on my way back to my car.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Lost Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

My route was up 19 Mile Brook to Carter Notch, then the Wildcat Ridge traverse, then back to Pinkham Notch via Lost Pond Trail. I used my bike to get back to the car at 19 Mile Brook -- coasting all the way. I think most people do the traverse northbound to avoid descending the steep part of Wildcat Ridge Trail on tired legs. A southbound traverse is the better option when spotting a bike, and the steep descent wasn't too bad. At least the ledges were dry and free of ice. Time for me to put away the spikes for a bit. Great views of Washington and the eastern slopes from Wildcat Ridge.

Parking

Left a bike at Pinkham Notch. Parked my car at the 19 Mile Brook trailhead. Plenty of room for the weekday crowd.

Water Crossings

All significant crossings on this route have good bridges.

Wildlife

Not bad for late May. There was a steady breeze on the ridge.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ski Trails, Wildcat Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Wildcats are in great shape. Enjoy the amazing spring conditions.

Parking

Plenty at the ski area all day.

Water Crossings

A couple big puddles had bog bridges across them.

Wildlife

A few that mostly left me alone

Also on this trip

Trails Used

wildcat ridge, carter moriah, stony brook, route 16

Trail Conditions

Notes

It was an amazing weekend to backpack the wildcat carter moriah traverse. The only snow i encountered was between carter dome and hight. Otherwise there was wet rock slab and running water on trail. I had the imp campsite all to myself. No traction was needed.

Water Crossings

All crossable

Wildlife

none

Also on this trip

Trails Used

19 Mile Brook, Wildcat Ridge Trails, ski area

Trail Conditions

Notes

19 Mile Brook Trail had some sloppy spots above the Carter Dome Trail intersection and a short segment on snow near the top, not bad. The Wildcat Ridge Trail to Wildcat A included white ice to be negotiated in the steeps at the top, all avoidable with care. There were a few tricky sections with white ice and intermittent monorails on the Wildcat Ridge Trail from A to D, particularly on the final ascent to D, but spikes wouldn't have helped. Ski slopes were generally dry and easy going. Cold, windy day for this fun hike with Chris and Renee. We chatted with Half-and-Half and William who are currently at the front of the 2026 AT NOBOs. Just a few red trillium and nothing else flowering on this route today.

Parking

Two cars parked at 19 Mile Brook Trailhead at 7:30. Several spaces available there at 2:30. Plenty of parking for the car spot at the ski area.

Water Crossings

Major crossings are bridged on this route.

Wildlife

Not a one.

Trails Used

Polecat, Wildcat ridge trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The ski slope is 99% clear of snow. The trail has a few very small patches of ice and snow that are easily bypassed if needed with some rock hopping. There were a few small patches of stable snow that will quickly soften on a warmer day, so I would rock hop on those days. The only challenging ice was coming down the north side of D. Enough had melted that I could carefully step on dry rock, but thought was needed. Other than that is was a quick easy hike!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ski Area Uphill Route, Wildcat Ridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Ski Trails have some patchy snow, particularly Upper Polecat, but are an easy bare boot at this point. Rock spikes are need on the Ridge. If you only have good spikes you will be taking them on and off many times. The trail is a mix of bare ground, ice, and narrow (but fairly stable) monorail. The monorail is more consistent on the north side of B, C, and D, but far from continuous. The south side is generally less snowy, but still has icy patches in places. Heading north from D the first steep pitch is basically an icy luge track for about 30 feet that was very challenging to get down. It was easier to get back up, but this is the spot that might give a dog, not to mention a human trouble until it melts out. Views were terrific today!

Parking

No issues

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

Some flying, but not biting.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

19 Mile Brook Trail, Carter Notch, Wildcat Ridge Trail (AT)

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Saw one other hiker (Jackie) who was leap frogged on trail. Sunny and comfortable temps in morning, cloudy, windy and cooler in afternoon. 3 mile road walk back to car.

Parking

19 Mile Brook trailhead parking

Trails Used

Polecat, Wildcat Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Out and back from the ski area. Polecat has patchy snow that is mostly avoidable. I spiked up just after the Wildcat D summit. Icy monorail and sections of blue ice with a trace of new snow on the ridge, especially coming off Wildcat D. Monorail was solid and easy to navigate. Most scrambles are clear. There are some bare sections but not long enough for me to remove my spikes.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

19MB trail, WRT, Polecat

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Went up 19MB trail then WRT up to A then across and down Polecat. Thicker ice in spots between the peaks but grip was solid.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Ski Trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Started up the Imp stream which was barebootable all the way up save for one or two short sections. I wanted to get Moriah too today and there was so little snow on Imp I figured I’d give the out-and-back a try rather than climbing all the way back up later. I knew it would be rough in there. Sketchy descent down N Carter, lots of post holing, especially into running water below on the bog bridge sections. This section needs a few more weeks to be enjoyable. Past the campsite was better, and up the Moriah ledges was mostly bare. Once back to the Carters it was narrow monorail until past S Carter where the trail was mostly bare until past Black Angel. Lots of snow up to Carter Dome still. Narrow monorail tough to stay on top of. Same for going down to the notch. Must have taken my spikes on and off a dozen times on the Wildcat Ridge trail. Some cruisy sections, others tricky monorail, and sometimes bare trail. Managed to get a hitch back to 19 mile pretty easily from a Tucks skier. This was a rough day but it felt good to get all these for April and make it halfway to the grid.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Polecat, Wildcat ridge, 19MB, Carter Dome, Carter- Moriah, North Carter, Imp

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Traverse from Wildcat D to Middle Carter. Started polecat and across the ridge, there was some hard/greyish ice past the summit.. rock spikes pretty much went & stayed on from here. Could get through it with holding on to some friendly trees & taking it slow. Ridge itself was mostly hard monorail. Then coming down Wildcat A had minimal ice in a few sections, just handled similarly to coming from Wildcat D, otherwise hard monorail. Coming up Carter dome was surprisingly bare in a lot of parts, the rock spikes took a good beating here but better than on/ off. Nothing notable, there’s obviously some steep sections, at the time it was hardpacked & firm grip with spikes. Headed to South Carter from the dome, the section between on the way to zeta pass, is your usually ugly section.. there’s stuff to grip onto, that lil monorail may breakdown soon on some warm days/ with rain. Some bare trail between ice.. from zeta pass lots of dry earth, some ice but not as memorable. Ridge between South / middle was a solid grip of hard monorail, then down north Carter/ imp trail was a mess of ice on/off but grey ice so traction was solid.. lower elevation towards camp dodge is a knee beating of bare earth & rock. Thought to carry full crampons & may have used if anything got too soft, snowshoes would have been useless. Long day, but always big bang for buck. Saw other 3 couples out there in spikes. Happy hiking 🥾

Water Crossings

Most of water related business was on imp & it was all iced over

Trails Used

Wildcat Range (Pole Cat to D to A), 19 Mile Brook Trail

Notes

Hiker pursuing Grid completion (all 4000-footers in every month). Guided by Redline Guide Chase Hall. Spring conditions noted. Clear weather with sunshine.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Camp Dodge Cutoff, Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Ski Trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Parked at Wildcat, rode my bike down to Camp Dodge to start the hike. Monorail was very solid all day, it will take quite a warm up or decent snow storm to need snowshoes at this point, but there is a lot of ice out there lurking under the snow. Bare booted in ~1" of new snow through Camp Dodge and up Imp trail for 1.5 miles. At that point, there started to be significant ice flows under the snow so switched to microspikes, which worked well up to Carter-Moriah Trail. Very narrow monorail under ~2-3" of fresh snow keeps you on your toes but microspikes still the way to go. S facing sections started to get slushy which added to the challenge. Some hard ice under the snow in places, especially coming down from S. Carter. Met another hiker near Zeta pass coming back from Carter Dome, he had started up to Hight but turned around as he felt it was a bit sketchy. I was gridding out the Carters today, and it was a clear/no wind day so I wanted to give it a shot and the climb ended up being not bad...packed monorail but not icy and my microspikes held well. I've been fortunate to have some great days on Hight and it is one of the best peaks in the Whites on a clear day. More elevated monorail from Hight back to Carter Dome trail and up to Carter Dome. Still crazy amounts of snow which means you get views you won't get in the summer as you can see over the scrub. Coming down from Carter Dome to the Notch had a lot of Slushy Side Slope of Doom. Spikes were balling up, but they were necessary with the new snow on top of the side slope. The steep section down into the notch after the lookout had enough rocks that you could mostly downclimb, but there is still enough ice that whatever your best traction is, you will be glad you have it. Crampons and an ice axe wouldn't be crazy. Heading up Wildcat Ridge Trail from the Notch was more Side Slope Shenanigans...mostly grippy with microspikes but you would not be sad with crampons...there are sections with solid ice under the snow which could become very exciting quickly if not careful. Once I got to A I was glad to see a lot of people had done an out/back from the ski area and the trail was pretty broken in (the ski area was closed Mon-Thurs this week, so people could climb/descend the trails all day as opposed to the usual "not when the lifts are operating". I didn't get to the ski trails until 4:15pm, so it didn't help me. Remembered to retrieve my bike down at Camp Dodge, one of these days I'm going to forget!

Parking

Parked at Wildcat, road a bike down to Camp Dodge. Shoulders a bit icy this AM so rode in travel lane and pulled over whenever a car came by...still beats walking.

Water Crossings

Walked across the pond in Carter Notch if that counts...

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Nineteen Mile Brook, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Ski trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Snowshoes from the start at 19 mile, bareboots had churned the new snow and two pairs of snowshoes on a traverse did little to help. Beyond the carter dome junction trail, only one pair of ski tracks(the caretaker had skied down from the hut earlier in the day). There was no indication that anyone had recently turned onto the wildcat ridge trail, and that should have been enough to call it for another day, but as luck would have it (or lack thereof) we continued, after all it's only .7 miles. We broke trail through 18 to 24" of drifted unconsolidated snow on the steep hillside. Snowshoes were useless, one step forward, 2 steps slipping back, crampons weren't much better. Try changing foot gear in 2ft of snow on a hill slide, soul sucking, doesn't do it justice. Two hours later for .7 miles, we summited Wildcat A. Snowshoes back on, the traverse hadn't seen any traffic either, there is no packed monorail, but the snow depth was more manageable at a foot. On the steep sections of the traverse, the unconsolidated snow just slid off the solid ice, along with anyone standing on it. The best part of the hike was the well groomed ski trail. Coming weather conditions won't improve this trail! So many other to choose from!

Parking

Parked at Wildcat ski parking lot, with only one car, decided to do the 3 mile road walk to 19 mile at the start of the day rather than the end of the day. Using up the only luck we had of the day, we were picked up by the Carter Notch hut caretaker, who had finished up his day. Thanks you!

Water Crossings

Last water crossing snow bridged

Wildlife

None