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

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

Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Appalachian Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, bushwhack back to Lost Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Short version: SEND IT! Night & day from my experience in this range last Friday. Some running water on trails primarily above 2800' but all 1-2" at most. Plenty of washout debris on trails from the waterfall Friday- sticks, leaf piles, logs, etc. but nothing hazardous. Snow hanging on primarily from ascent to Hight through Carter Dome. Some ice but all manageable without the need to pull out micros. Gorgeous day and was able to take my time having done Moriah already off my originally planned day route. Hight is a treat!!!

Water Crossings

All but Ellis River crossable. Ellis River was borderline but reaching at end of hike, opted to head down river. Bridge is available to Pinkham (despite Appalachian signs saying otherwise).

Wildlife

Black flies & deer flies but they were shockingly not being their typical stalker, pestering selves.