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Wildcat A
Green's Grant, NH, Bean's Purchase, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail
Route: Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, bushwhack, Wildcat Ridge Trail, (Wildcat A), Wildcat Ridge Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail
It was finally time to visit Wildcat A peak in springtime. While I had intended to make it over a day earlier, the wind forecast, coupled with general laziness, prevented me from doing so. Thus, given a nice afternoon, I had to give it a go.
I quickly set foot up the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail wearing Microspikes. It was a beautiful afternoon - deep blue skies, warm air temperatures, and winds not too too bad.
Reaching the Wildcat Ridge Trail, I attempted to continue with Microspikes. Since the recent half inch or so of snow had drifted deeper (upwards of 8" in places), the Microspikes were simply inadequate. Thus, I changed into crampons and continued on my way.
Reaching a known turn in the trail, I saw the only set of fresh tracks go up and then back down, then continue straight. Since there were no descending tracks from the straight route, I figured I'd either make it to A peak or else stumble across someone trapped in a spruce trap.
This route ended up being a bit faster than the trail. As I reached the ridge, there were some nice views of the Presidentials. Just beyond that, however, the tracks weaved their way through somewhat thick spruce. Nonetheless, I was soon back on the Wildcat Ridge Trail and to the summit of A peak.
The views from the ledge were tremendous - particularly looking into Maine.
I decided to descend via the trail proper, as to mark it with tracks for future hikers. Though the snow drifted somewhat deep in places, it certainly was not a place for snowshoes (good thing, too, as I had chosen to not carry them), as the footbed was often only 6-10" wide.
Back on the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, I had a quick snack, swapped my crampons for Microspikes, and headed back to the parking lot, not needing a headlamp thanks to the good condition of the trail.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Wildcat A |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Difficult |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
4:08 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,485' |
| Destination: |
Wildcat A |
| Ascent Commenced: |
4:08 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
6:11 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
02:03 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,485' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,422' |
| Vertical Gain: |
3,007' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
7:54 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
03:46 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
3,077' |
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The Nineteen Mile Brook Trail trailhead off Route 16
Looking at Eastman Mountain and Kearsarge North Mountain from the Wildcat A view ledge
Directions to trailhead: Take Route 16 North past the Mt. Washington Auto Road entrance. Shortly thereafter, the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail WMNF fee parking area and trailhead are on the right side of the road, immediately after the brook.
Back to Wildcat A Profile
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