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- Wildcat Mountain
4,422 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire
Wildcat Mountain
Wildcat Mountain is a 4,422 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Wildcat Ridge Trail: 8 mi, 3,540 ft of gain, Class 3.
Wildcat Mountain at a glance
- Elevation4,422 ft1,347 m
- RouteWildcat Ridge TrailClass 3
- Distance8 mi3,540 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire
Climbing the Wildcat Ridge Trail
From Route 16 at Pinkham Notch, the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail to Carter Notch and the Wildcat Ridge Trail, or the ski gondola, reach Wildcat's Peak A. The ridge trail is steep and rocky with ledgy scrambles that turn slick when wet, and a viewing platform near the top frames a classic look at Mount Washington. The gondola offers easier access in season. Start early and carry water and layers. Often linked with Wildcat D along the rugged, up-and-down summit ridge to bag both 4,000-footers.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (20–30 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
Headlamp
Power Bank
Hiking Boots
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Hardshell Jacket
Buff
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Slippery terrain
- Insects
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Cold summit conditions
- Rapid weather shifts
Wildcat Mountain on Yak
Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Wildcat Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Wildcat Mountain
New England 4,000ers
NH 48Peaks near Wildcat Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Wildcat Mountain?
Wildcat Mountain is 4,422 feet (1,347 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. It is also known as Wildcat A.
How does Wildcat Mountain rank among the New England 4,000ers?
At 4,422 feet, Wildcat Mountain is the 22nd highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.
How hard is it to climb Wildcat Mountain?
The Wildcat Ridge Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,540 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Wildcat Mountain?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Wildcat Ridge Trail, covering 8 miles with 3,540 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Wildcat Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
When is the best time to climb Wildcat Mountain?
The usual climbing window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Wildcat Mountain?
The Wildcat Ridge Trail starts at about 2,020 feet, roughly 2,402 feet below the summit.
Climb Wildcat Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list