Home4000-FootersOther White Mountain TripsTrail WorkOther StatesMemorabilia

Map

  Wildcats-Carters page: 

1

2

3

4

5

 
Wildcats, Carter Dome, South Carter - page 2 of 5

This section of the trail, which went on for almost an hour, definitely required careful handholds and a delicate balance. It was challenging, and I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone even remotely afraid of heights. I also wouldn’t recommend it for descent. I did enjoy the challenge though. After reaching the top of the ridge, the ledges disappeared and the trail evened out.

Soon, I stumbled upon the summit of the Wildcat Ski Area. This was mildly surprising only because I had walked right past Wildcat E peak without even noticing it. I soon found out that this was to be the rule rather than the exception because Wildcat Ridge, which officially has 5 peaks named A through E, actually has at least 10 mini summits, punctuated by numerous shallow cols. Only one of these, Wildcat Col, between peaks D and C, dips down fairly low.

At the top of the ski area, which is in a little col between Wildcat E and D, I stopped for a rest and a snack. The ski area was closed for the winter, and not quite ready to open for the summer tourist season, so the summit building was deserted.

From here, I continued up a short steep section to Wildcat D, which had a small wooden observation tower maintained by the ski area. I couldn’t see down to the bottom of the ski area, but I did get another look at Mt Washington and Northern Presidentials. By this time, clouds were starting to move in, and I wondered whether it was going to start raining.  

After leaving the tower, the trail quickly started downhill, at times steeply, heading for Wildcat Col, the deepest col on the ridge and the only one below 4000 feet. There were some patches of snow in the col, and the tangle of brush and blowdown patches gave the place a wild look. I expected to see a bear pop out of the woods at any minute. I didn’t see a bear, though, but I did see a spruce grouse, which is a very tame chicken-like bird that will walk fairly close to you without showing any fear. I took a picture of it, which unfortunately came out a bit fuzzy.

A not-so-great self-portrait at the deserted summit of Wildcat ski area. The Wildcat Ridge, which officially has 5 peaks named A through E, actually has at least 10 mini summits, punctuated by numerous shallow cols.

Me at top of Wildcat ski area.jpg (152536 bytes)

Mt Washington from the tower on Wildcat D. This small wooden observation tower is maintained by the ski area.

Washington from Wildcat D tower.jpg (224316 bytes)

Spruce grouse on the Wildcat Ridge Trail. Unfortunately, it came out a bit fuzzy, probably because I didn’t hold still enough.

Spruce grouse on Wildcat Ridge Trail.jpg (180674 bytes)

Map

  Wildcats-Carters page: 

1

2

3

4

5