Wildcat Ridge Traverse

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): Robert Mackin, Peter Richards
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001GnKL
Audience: Adults

Description: Join us for a traverse over the Wildcat Ridge and bag two 4,000 footers in one day. We'll start at the Glen Ellis Falls trailhead and end at the 19 Mile Brook trailhead, hiking 8 miles with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. We will hike at a moderate pace of about 1.5 mph plus stops for views, snacks, and lunch. The traverse crosses over Wildcat peaks A, B, C, D and E (peaks A and D are official 4,000 footers). Along the ridge there'll be great views of the Presidential Range to the west and the Carter-Moriah Range to the northeast, weather permitting. If we have enough time, we'll stop at the AMC's Carter Notch Hut for water and a break, before heading back out the 19 Mile Brook trail to Rte. 16.
This route includes a steep ascent to the ridgeline that requires some scrambling. It is considered to be the steepest mile on the Appalachian Trail, and is one of the optional trails on the Terrify 25 list. Participants should be comfortable on very steep trails like this. There is also a fairly steep descent to Carter Notch Hut.
Note that our route crosses the Ellis River, which no longer has a bridge. Reports say it is easily rock-hoppable. Should the water levels rise, we will need to start an an alternate location with a bridge that would add 0.9 miles but no additional elevation.
Participants should wear sturdy hiking boots, shoes, or trail runners, and carry a pack with the 10 essentials, including 2 liters of water. Here is a thorough list of what prepared hikers carry in their packs. This will be a point to point hike, so you should be comfortable with a car spot.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!