Wildcat D, Wildcat C, Wildcat B, Wildcat A, Little Wildcat - Polecat ski trail, Wildcat Ridge trail, bushwhack, Thompson Falls trail - 1-17-2026

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Wildcat D, Wildcat C, Wildcat B, Wildcat A, Little Wildcat, NH

	Trails:	Polecat ski trail, Wildcat Ridge trail, bushwhack, Thompson Falls trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, January 17, 2026

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Parked at the ski area, lot C, I think.

	Surface Conditions:	Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts

	Recommended Equipment:	Snowshoes

	Water Crossing Notes:	I stepped carefully over several snowbridged streams on the whack.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	I did not notice any significant blowdowns.

	Dog-Related Notes:

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	Snowed the whole time, but only lightly, and only an inch or two from last night. The uphill ski route was groomed in parts, but some parts are natural, and I was sinking a bit in drifts. I made it up to D in an hour, then an hour over to A, which involved some drifts on the ridge but nothing crazy. Instead of going down to the notch and 19mb, I made my own route directly to Little Wildcat. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. It was mostly decent woods, but I went too far west and then had to do some steep sidehilling to get back on track. I had my compass set to 340 but should have just gone due north I think. It was too cloudy to see the peak until I got close to the col. It got steep heading down to the col, but nothing too bad. At the summit, the canister opened after a few taps. I then took a bearing for Thompson Falls and crossed several drainages and streams on the way, a little tricky in places choosing which side to follow but at least I had a decent snowpack to work with. Since it was still snowing and cold at noon, I called it a day after 5.5 hours for the trip.

	Name:	Carl G

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2026-01-17

	Link:	https://
		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.