| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wildcat D, Wildcat C, Wildcat B, Wildcat A, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Wildcat Ridge Trail, ski trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, September 14, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, which was uncrowded on this Thursday. Parking here meant I only had a one mile road walk at the beginning of my loop (which I could have avoided with Lost Pond Trail), and another one mile road walk at the end when I came down the ski area. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I changed into my crocs to cross the Ellis river upstream from the falls. Later in the day I met a couple who said they did not need to do a water crossing because they took Lost Pond Trail. So I cannot personally say that is true but it is worth a try. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There was one section of bog board that really needs to be repaired because the water there is deep and the area is boggy so there is no go-around. The broken bog boards are in the water and everyone is getting a bit wet trying to cross on sunken boards. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I met one very fit dog but she had come up the ski trail/road. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This was my first time on the Wildcats and I thank everyone who left trail reports offering various ways of getting to D and A for the NH 48. I enjoyed the Wildcat Trail very much and felt glad that I didn't get scared off due to it being on the terrifying 25 list. It was fine and fun going up. Going down the Polecat ski trail or ski-perimeter road was interesting since I'd never done it before but it also made me appreciate the beauty of our natural rugged trails. Many stunning views today of Mount Washington, Adams, and Madison. But the highlight view of the day was the Wildcat A lookout where you see the steep side of the mountain and the tiny little Carter Hut down in the notch below. That was really something to see. |
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 | Name: |
R Whelton |
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 | E-Mail: |
rachelwhelton@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-14 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.youtube.com/rachelwhelton |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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