The Remote And Rugged Trail In New Hampshire That Will Lead You On A Grand Adventure
By Ken MacGray|Published September 04, 2023
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Ken MacGray
Author
Hey! I'm a freelance writer and guidebook author. I've authored "New Hampshire's 52 With A View - A Hiker's Guide", serve as editor of Appalachian Mountain Club's "Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide", and and am co-editor of the "White Mountain Guide", also for AMC. I'm currently beginning work on the 6th Edition of AMC's Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, which will be published in 2025. I live in southern New Hampshire and can usually be found wandering throughout the state's mountains and forests.
Easy day hikes in the White Mountains are very common, but sometimes more experienced hikers need a bigger challenge. How about a traverse across two of the most rugged ridges in the Whites? For strong day hikers or experienced backpackers, this long-distance trek across the Carter-Moriah and Wildcat ranges should be put on the list as the best hike near Gorham, NH.
Note: Due to the distance, elevation gain, and terrain, this is a hike suitable only for experienced, fit, and well-equipped mountain hikers and backpackers with full overnight gear. It is not for beginners.
This 19-mile hike, with 7,250 feet of elevation gain, passes over or near the summits of six of the 48 official 4,000-footers (Wildcat D, Wildcat A, Carter Dome, South Carter, Middle Carter, Mt. Moriah), as well as five other lower peaks.
The hike begins with a very steep climb out of Pinkham Notch via Wildcat Ridge Trail. The trail rises over 2,100 ft. in 1.8 mi. from its junction with Lost Pond Trail to Wildcat's "E" peak.
I can’t say that I’ve done this entire trek at once but I have hiked most of it in sections and can vouch for its rugged beauty. For more information, consult the AMC White Mountain Guide and the U.S. Forest website pages for the Glen Ellis Scenic Area trailhead (Wildcat Ridge Trail) and the Carter-Moriah trailhead (Carter-Moriah Trail).
