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Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.

Wildcat Mountain “A” Peak is a 4,422-foot summit on the east side of Pinkham Notch in Coös County, New Hampshire.

Prominence: 1034 ft Range: Carter-Moriah Range
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Elevation: 4,422 ft
Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. - Captured in the late afternoon on February 19, 2026, this landscape photo highlights Wildcat Mountain A amid the expansive White Mountains of New Hampshire. The scene shows a tranquil winter mountain weather setting, with deep shadows cast across the forested ridges. This peaceful view from the White Mountain National Forest invites contemplation of the quiet beauty found along hiking trails in this rugged terrain. - NH48
Captured in the late afternoon on February 19, 2026, this landscape photo highlights Wildcat Mountain A amid the expansive White Mountains of New Hampshire. The scene shows a tranquil winter mountain weather setting, with deep shadows cast across the forested ridges. This peaceful view from the White Mountain National Forest invites contemplation of the quiet beauty found along hiking trails in this rugged terrain.

Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.

Mountain Overview
Wildcat Mountain “A” Peak is a 4,422-foot summit on the east side of Pinkham Notch in Coös County, New Hampshire. It is part of the Carter-Moriah Range of the White Mountains and faces Carter Dome across Carter Notch.
General Info
Elevation
4,422 ft
Prominence
1034 ft
Range
Carter-Moriah Range
Trail Type
Out & back or traverse
Difficulty
Very Difficult
Exposure
High - ridge is exposed in places; weather can make ledges dangerous.
Typical Time
6–8 hours - Glen Ellis to A and out via 19-Mile or return.
Best seasons
Summer, fall - avoid spring ice on steep ledges; winter ascents common with crampons via ski trails.
Water availability
Yes - Glen Ellis River at start; small streams near base of ridge; none along ridge itself.
Cell reception
Spotty - possible line-of-sight to Mt Washington auto road towers; otherwise limited.

Standard Routes (2)

  • Wildcat Ridge Trail - via Glen Ellis Falls, up over Wildcat Ridge. — 8.5 mi • 3,150 ft gain • Loop - requires car spot or road walk. • Very difficult
  • Polecat Ski Trail - alternate summer route via ski area to D then ridge to A. — 8.0 mi • 2,100 ft gain • Out & back • Moderate

Monthly Weather Averages

Climate context

Monthly climatology baseline near this summit elevation.

Mountain conditions advisory

Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.: high exposure today. Estimated wind 15 mph. Check summit forecast before departure.

Expires: 2026-02-14T23:59:59-05:00

Check higher summits forecast

Related Trails & Routes

Nearby Peaks & Connections

Parking & Access

Glen Ellis Falls parking - Pinkham Notch, NH 16.
Trailhead parking
Hiker parking at Glen Ellis Falls pull-off - just south of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.; ski area parking used if ascending via ski trails
Trailhead
Glen Ellis Falls parking - Pinkham Notch, NH 16.
Capacity
44 vehicles (est.)
Last verified
2026-02-14

Difficulty Metrics

Technical difficulty (1-10)
9
Physical effort (1-10)
10
Difficulty class
Very Difficult
Typical completion time
6–8 hours - Glen Ellis to A and out via 19-Mile or return.

Risk & Preparation

Risk factors
Above Treeline Exposure, Severe Weather, Long Bailout, Limited Water, Navigation, Scramble Steep, No Cell Service
Preparation notes
Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases. Plan water conservatively and do not assume reliable sources late in the hike. Download offline maps and do not rely on cell service; leave a plan with someone. After summiting A, one could descend to Carter Notch Hut for shelter; otherwise turn around back to Pinkham Notch - no short bailout on ridge.
Bailout distance
0 mi
Weather exposure
High - ridge is exposed in places; weather can make ledges dangerous.
Field planning note
Wildcat Ridge Trail - via Glen Ellis Falls, up over Wildcat Ridge. - 8.5 - 3,150 - Very difficult - Loop - requires car spot or road walk. Yes - Glen Ellis River at start; small streams near base of ridge; none along ridge itself. Hiker parking at Glen Ellis Falls pull-off - just south of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.; ski area parking used if ascending via ski trails

Wilderness Safety

Water availability
Yes - Glen Ellis River at start; small streams near base of ridge; none along ridge itself.
Cell reception
Spotty - possible line-of-sight to Mt Washington auto road towers; otherwise limited.
Best seasons
Summer, fall - avoid spring ice on steep ledges; winter ascents common with crampons via ski trails.

Trail & Terrain

Terrain
Extremely steep, rocky ascents on Ridge Trail including wood ladders and ledges; generally rugged
Scramble sections
Yes - class 2 scrambles and use of hands climbing ledges on Wildcat Ridge Trail.
View type
Partial - viewpoint near summit looking at Carter Notch; summit itself wooded.
Summit marker
Wooded summit – no official marker - small cairn or sign sometimes present on Wildcat A.
Flora / environment
Mixed hardwood at base; quickly transitioning to dense spruce-fir on ridge; summit and ridge largely boreal forest with occasional openings
Nearby 4,000-footer connections
Wildcat Mountain - D Peak., Carter Dome - via Carter Notch.