Distance: 8.4 miles
Hikers: Vance and Quinn
4000 footer completion count: Wildcat D #9 (4,070 feet), Wildcat A #10 (4,422 feet)
What an amazing day. We had the best weather we've seen so far while hiking the 4000 footers. The views were numerous and absolutely spectacular all day. Today was a very straightforward hike. We did an out-and-back trek entirely on the Wildcat Ridge trail. The trail intersects with the Appalachian trail and we ran into some backpackers doing the AT. Quinn was floored by the notion of hiking over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Maybe some day?!
The trail starts off by walking through a tunnel to the other side of route 16.
Immediately after going through the tunnel, you cross the Ellis River.
In no time the climb becomes very steep and rugged.
There were a number of great lookouts available along the way.
All the vertical climbing yielded many rewarding views.
We found a couple of great caves along the way and we explored their twists, turns and dark recesses.
The mouth of this cave had a large boulder suspended between its walls.
Quinn is always on the hunt for critters, creatures and the unusual. He found this curious little stick that he kept for a souvenir.
The terrain on the hike up to peak D was right up our alley. We both really enjoy challenging climbs and this one definitely stood out. As we neared the peak we felt like lone explorers in the middle of the wilderness. However, we began to hear the whir of something out of place. The trail opened up to the strange sight of Wildcat's gondolas. It was a bit like the unusual experience of reaching the peak of Washington where a tranquil hike instantly transforms into a surreal new world.
Quinn contemplates the new surroundings.
Wildcat D is below treeline but a platform was built so that views are possible at the peak.
There were just so many great little viewing nooks along the way.
Near the Wildcat A peak there's a dedicated USFS Vista which provides great views of Carter Notch.
If you look closely below, you can see Carter Lakes and the Carter Notch Hut.
The weather remained excellent for our hike back. We cruised along easily until the last 30 or 40 minutes of the hike. Somehow we forgot just how steep and rocky the climb was on our way up; it was definitely harder going down than going up.
It was a warm and sunny day and when we returned to the Ellis River we were eager to take the plunge. We've taken a dip in all the local rivers on our previous hikes but there was no question that this was our coldest swim yet.
I was really surprised to find that this was one of my favorite hikes yet. I probably wouldn't have done this route if we weren't doing the 4000 footers; it is undoubtedly a worthwhile hike. There was something amazing about all the different perspectives you get of the northern Presidentials as you traverse the Wildcat Ridge trail. I also thoroughly enjoyed the great climbs the hike provides.
August has been a banner 4000 footer kickoff month for us. As we drove home we noticed that the leaves had started to turn. We're eager for our fall adventures!
Quinn's Take
We started off walking through a tunnel under the highway. There was a huge river that we had to cross. It was tricky crossing, but I made it across safely and without getting wet.
Just when I was telling my dad that this was an easy hike, the trail became very steep and stayed that way until the top!! We came to a couple of caves that were long and narrow that we explored.
At the top of Wildcat D there was a big platform that we sat on to enjoy the views and eat lunch. We could see Mt. Washington and Mt. Adams.
We made our way to Wildcat A. The top of Wildcat A was different from Wildcat D because it was smaller.
On the way down we stopped for a snack and to rest on a ledge with a GREAT view! By this point, I was getting tired and my legs were jelly. At the bottom we put our legs in the river. It was SO cold!!
We had a great trip! Just remember, when the last leaf falls, it's only the beginning!!
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