We’re heading to the beautiful Pinkham Notch area on Saturday, June 15, 2024, to scramble our way up all the Wildcats!

We’ll start with a challenging ascent up the west ridge of Wildcat D, gaining 1,000 feet in just half a mile. This section is famously known as the steepest mile on the entire Appalachian Trail, featuring thrilling rock scrambles, natural rock "staircases," and man-made footholds with wood supports.

Learn more: The Steepest Mile on the Appalachian Trail is in New Hampshire After summiting Wildcat D, we’ll continue along the ridge, enjoying stunning views all the way to Wildcat A. We’ll then return to Wildcat D and descend via one of the ski trails.

In total, we’ll hike around 9 miles with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Check out the trail map to see our route!

There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting at the MITOC Office at 6:30 PM on Thursday. This is your chance to rent or check out gear. As of now, the weather looks clear, but if it rains on Saturday, we may reschedule for Sunday, June 16. We’ll make the final decision during the pre-trip meeting. Priority will be given to those who can drive.

Requirements: Experience hiking at least 8 miles with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, being comfortable with heights and steep sections. If you’re unsure about your readiness for this hike, please contact one of the trip leaders.