Wildcat Mountain (D Peak)

Trail: Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, ski trails

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Beautiful morning to be out! Temperatures were perfect for hiking. Ran into quite a few people coming down from the hut along 19 MBT. I ran into a few thru hikers along the WRT. I had a great conversation with Vegabond on Wildcat A viewpoint. This day was sorta special for me. 10 years ago when I attempted to get the Wildcat's. I was so close to the summit of A when both legs severely cramped up on me and locked up. My buddy and I called it and turned around. The whole way up on this second attempt I was thinking about that day. When I reached the summit of A the feeling of emotion (elite joy) and accomplishment set in (which carried with me the entire way across the ridge). The Wildcats were #46 and #47 for me. I am reaching the completion of the 48. It is finally starting to sink in now, of the accomplishment. Okay, so one with the trail report. 19 mile was in great condition it had a little bit of mud here and there all manageable as were the brook crossings were all bridged. WRT had a few muddy sections but it was manageable. Polecat was lame and long (haha). The ski area was doing some work along it and there was a closed off section along with a little re-route. Be AWARE there is heavy equipment traveling along the route. I had to road walk back to my car that was an entertaining 2.5 miles. At least it was all down hill.”

Trail: Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, ski trails

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Trek over the Wildcats starting at Nineteen Mile Tr, with a side trip to the Carter Notch Hut (where there were some yummy tahini chocolate chip cookie bars made by Croo). Trails in good shape, saw some blue bead lily, some red trillium that has gone by, hobblebush ready to fruit, bunchberry and some asters, along with some funky mushrooms. Carter Ponds had lots of tadpoles and some giant dragonflies zooming around. It's been a good 11 years or more since I did this trek, nice to see the recovery of a section of Wildcat Ridge Tr going up Wildcat A, last time I was through there, there was a fresh washout/slide from a hurricane or tropical storm. With some trail work and vegetation growth it wasn't nearly as sketchy as I remember. Hot and humid with no reprieve with elevation or breeze.Fairly quiet trails other than a couple of kid groups heading to and from hut.”

Trail: Ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Thanks to Steve and Joe for the very kind car spot so I could start at the ski trails and walk back to my car. The dampness and humidity was helpful in making the ski trails a little less gravelly and provided a bit more traction. It was lovely to bump into Lynda and Becky and walk up to the summit together. They headed back down and I continued on. The rocks on the WRT were sweaty from the humidity and there were more areas of mud than last month. Most of the mud was avoidable but it was not supportive if I walked through it. The descent from Wildcat A was tedious due to the wettish rocks. The hike out 19 Mile Brook was pleasant and I had the chance to talk to several NOBOS, one of whom I have been following on her YouTube channel since she started. That totally made my day! I saw many happy hikers on their way to the hut as well. Everyone seemed to really be enjoying the day!”