Despite none of these wildcats being in the playoffs anymore 🏈, we can still enjoy an adventurous and steep hike up Wildcats E, D (4062'), C, B, and A (4,422).

We will start from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and take the Lost Pond Trail (0.8mi) to the Wildcat Ridge Trail where we will ascend steep terrain up to Wildcat E then across the ridge to D, C, B, and A before a steep descent to Carter Notch (3.9 mi) and back to the highway along the 19-Mile Brook Trail (3.4 mi). We will park one car at the 19-Mile Brook Trail and shuttle to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (5 minute drive). In total, we will hike 8.1 miles, ascend 3,000ft and descend 3,500ft. See the route here.

NOTE: The difficulty of the steep sections does not come from needing cardio/endurance strength; this hike requires comfort with exposed terrain in no fall zones. Outdoor lead or trad rock climbing experience or hiking experience in exposed terrain are good preparation for this hike.

Details

The ascent up the Wildcat Ridge Trail is less traveled in winter and will require snowshoes and crampons. There is a particularly steep and narrow section before reaching Wildcat E that will require comfort with using crampons and an ice axe. This is an excellent opportunity to get more experience on steep terrain, however, this should not be your first experience on steep terrain. We are looking for participants that have done similarly difficult winter hikes or 3-season hikes and are eager to try out a hike with steep, icy sections.

Requirements

Previous winter hiking experience is encouraged, or confidence in your ability to layer in cold weather. You should also feel confident hiking similar mileage and elevation gain with a moderately heavy backpack during any season.

We’ll be using all forms of traction (microspikes, snowshoes, and crampons) and intend to practice crampon use on the trail. This is a great opportunity to hone your traction skills!

Please budget for the following expenses: $5 trip fee, $30-50 carpooling costs, up to $15 for gear rentals, potentially extra if you want to buy food at a rest stop. If you are an MIT undergrad, financial aid may be available.

Logistics

Mandatory in-person meeting at MIT student center on Jan 15th at 6:00PM where we will discuss the route and check out the gear you might need. We will depart Cambridge Saturday morning bright and early at ~5:00am.

We will need drivers for this trip! Please update your car status if you can drive others. If not, please select “not driving” or “will drive self.” You must be prepared to rent a car if you have selected “willing to rent.” (MIT provides discounted car rental to affiliates, and we will evenly split rental/gas costs).