What are the main hiking routes to Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.?

The main routes to Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. include Wildcat Ridge Trail - via Glen Ellis Falls, up over Wildcat Ridge., Polecat Ski Trail - alternate summer route via ski area to D then ridge to A..

How difficult is hiking Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.?

Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. is rated Very Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.?

Typically, hiking Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. takes 6–8 hours - Glen Ellis to A and out via 19-Mile or return..

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Wildcat Mountain - A Peak.

Extremely steep, rocky ascents on Ridge Trail including wood ladders and ledges; generally rugged

Prominence: 1034 ft Range: Carter-Moriah Range

Units

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.

Overview

Extremely steep, rocky ascents on Ridge Trail including wood ladders and ledges; generally rugged

Standard Routes

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 20 mph. Check summit forecast before departure.

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

Check higher summits forecast

Related Trails & Routes

Parking & Access

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Difficulty Metrics

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Risk & Preparation

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Wilderness Safety

Data TBD for this route.

Trail & Terrain

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Conditions & Access

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Photo gallery

Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. - This landscape photograph showcases the rolling forested ridges of Wildcat Mountain A, part of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, during a clear summer afternoon. Soft shadows and sunlight interplay across the terrain, highlighting the natural contours and dense woodland of the White Mountain National Forest. The scene evokes the peaceful solitude found along hiking trails and ridge lines in this iconic mountain range. - NH48 — Sunlit Ridges of Wildcat Mountain A
`Canon EOS 5DS R | EF50mm f/1.2L USM | f/13.0 | 1/250 sec | ISO 100`

Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. - This summer evening scene captures Wildcat Mountain A in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where the interplay of sunlight and cloud shadows adds depth to the forested slopes. The expansive view highlights the natural beauty of White Mountain National Forest, with distant peaks softly fading into the horizon under a partly cloudy sky. Ideal for landscape photography enthusiasts and hikers appreciating mountain weather dynamics. - NH48 — Cloud Shadows Crossing Wildcat Mountain A
`Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 50mm | f/1.8 | 0/1 sec | ISO 100`

Trail-tested notes

Experience summary

I built this guide around field photography sessions on Wildcat Mountain - A Peak. in Carter-Moriah Range. Wildcat Mountain “A” Peak is a 4,422-foot summit on the east side of Pinkham Notch in Coös County, New Hampshire.

Conditions from experience

Summer, fall - avoid spring ice on steep ledges; winter ascents common with crampons via ski trails. High - ridge is exposed in places; weather can make ledges dangerous.

Planning tip

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

Last reviewed: 2026-02-14