The New Hampshire Section Of The AT Contains Its Steepest Mile

Each year, thousands of long-distance hikers travel along the 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail between Georgia and Maine. Along the way, they usually get a wake-up call when they hit the rugged terrain of the White Mountains; the sections through New Hampshire and Maine are some of the toughest. The New Hampshire section of the AT is notorious for its rough, steep trails, and nowhere is this more evident than on Wildcat Mountain, which contains the steepest mile of the entire route.

Note: This trail is not suitable for inexperienced hikers or some dogs, should not be attempted when wet or icy, and is not recommended for descent.

Wildcat Ridge Trail is a section of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire that carries the long distance route over the rugged Wildcat Mountain.

Wildcat's ridgeline features five named summits that are lettered A through E. The "A" and "D" peaks are official entries on the New Hampshire 4,000-footers list.

The first challenge of this trail, even before reaching the steeps, is crossing the Ellis River. This crossing is often difficult, so the nearby Lost Pond Trail is used as a bypass.

A friend and I like to refer to steep trails like this one as "productive." Meaning, they gain elevation very quickly. Wildcat Ridge Trail rises 2,150 feet in 1.8 miles from Lost Pond Trail to Wildcat's "E" peak.

A very steep ledge scramble must be negotiated a short distance up the trail. This section comes right after a tricky ledge traverse.

In some sections, wooden steps have been pinned into the steep ledge to aid in passage. Be prepared to use hands and feet to scramble in other spots.

Fortunately, the steep ascent is also mixed with plenty of open ledges to stop and catch your breath, as well as some great views.

Hikers may think they have reached the "top" of Wildcat when they reach the ski area and the Wildcat "D" summit, but there's still plenty of up and down if continuing on from here.

You don’t have to commit to the entire route between Georgia and Maine to enjoy the New Hampshire section of the AT. This one stretch is adventurous enough! For more information, consult the AMC White Mountain Guide and visit the White Mountain National Forest website.

If hiking up steep ledges is your thing as it is mine, also check out this hike to North Percy Peak, a spectacular destination in the North Country. Be prepared, stay safe, and have a great hike!

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Wildcat Mountain, 542 NH-16, Gorham, NH 03581, USA

Glen Ellis Falls Trailhead, White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

Lost Pond Trail (AMC), Pinkham's Grant, NH 03846, USA

AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, 361 NH-16, Gorham, NH 03581, USA

The Appalachian Trail's Steepest Mile Is Right Here In New Hampshire

Ken MacGray

Author

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