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Appalachian Trail: Pinkham Notch to Grafton Notch (Lost Pond Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Carter Moriah Trail, Rattle River, Centennial Trail, Mahoosuc Trail)
Hiking Trail
Hard
45.27 mi
18,326 ft
A beautiful segment of the AT, summiting the final 4,000-footers in New Hampshire before heading into Maine.
This segment of the Appalachian Trail begins at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, due east of the Presidential Range. This large trailhead makes this a popular hub to access the highest peak in the northeast, Mount Washington. To head north on the AT, cross the road and follow the Lost Pond Trail south towards to the Wildcat Ridge Trail. At the junction, you can access Glen Ellis Falls, a popular destination due to its proximity to the road and ease of access. A strenuous climb up Wildcat Ridge leads to a series of summits, labeled A to D. The official summit of Wildcat Mountain is near the "A Peak" and offers phenomenal views of Carter Notch. A brief—but steep—descent lies ahead. At the bottom, the AT meets two trails near the pond, and a spur leads to the Carter Notch Hut. Open year-round, this hut is just shy of four miles from the trailhead and serves as a popular destination to spend the night. For reservations, amenities, and availability, visit Ahead, the white-blazed AT heads to Carter Dome and Mount Hight. According to Wikipedia, "the origins of Carter Dome's name is unknown. Local folklore suggests that it was named after a hunter named Carter, while a neighboring peak is named after his hunting partner, Hight." Though considered a secondary summit to Carter Dome, Mount Hight is renowned for having the best views along this ridge. Continuing north, summit Middle Carter and North Carter Mountains on your way to Imp Mountain. A campsite and shelter lie on the northeast side of the mountain. Mount Moriah, the last 4,000-footer along the ridge, lies ahead and offers a breathtaking view. Take the opportunity to soak in the scenery before descending to US-2 and leaving the boundary of the White Mountain National Forest. Multiple camping or lodging opportunities lie along the road, and a small trailhead serves as a popular access point for the AT. If necessary, take this opportunity to resupply in town as the next portion of the trail heads into remote backcountry. Head north along the road across the dam, then turn left onto Hogan road. Look for a white blaze on the right side of the road where the trail spurs off. Next, the AT spirals atop a ridge, offering an optional summit of Mount Hayes before continuing north to Cascade Mountain. In the area, you'll find some partial views, but none as commanding as the exposed summits in the Whites. Heading northeast, the trail makes its way to Maine, crossing a few picturesque high points along the way. Soon after crossing the state line, the trail summits Mount Carlo, Goose Eye Mountain, and a couple of smaller peaks as it makes its way to Old Speck Mountain. A short spur trail leads to the official summit, the fourth-highest peak in the state and the highest in the Mahoosuc Range. Ahead, the trail descends to Grafton Notch and a popular trailhead along the road. For a short hike, pair the AT with the Eyebrow Trail to form a loop from the road. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
This segment of the Appalachian Trail begins at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, due east of the Presidential Range. This large trailhead makes this a popular hub to access the highest peak in the northeast, Mount Washington. To head north on the AT, cross the road and follow the Lost Pond Trail south towards to the Wildcat Ridge Trail. At the junction, you can access Glen Ellis Falls, a popular destination due to its proximity to the road and ease of access. A strenuous climb up Wildcat Ridge leads to a series of summits, labeled A to D. The official summit of Wildcat Mountain is near the "A Peak" and offers phenomenal views of Carter Notch. A brief—but steep—descent lies ahead. At the bottom, the AT meets two trails near the pond, and a spur leads to the Carter Notch Hut. Open year-round, this hut is just shy of four miles from the trailhead and serves as a popular destination to spend the night. For reservations, amenities, and availability, visit Ahead, the white-blazed AT heads to Carter Dome and Mount Hight. According to Wikipedia, "the origins of Carter Dome's name is unknown. Local folklore suggests that it was named after a hunter named Carter, while a neighboring peak is named after his hunting partner, Hight." Though considered a secondary summit to Carter Dome, Mount Hight is renowned for having the best views along this ridge. Continuing north, summit Middle Carter and North Carter Mountains on your way to Imp Mountain. A campsite and shelter lie on the northeast side of the mountain. Mount Moriah, the last 4,000-footer along the ridge, lies ahead and offers a breathtaking view. Take the opportunity to soak in the scenery before descending to US-2 and leaving the boundary of the White Mountain National Forest. Multiple camping or lodging opportunities lie along the road, and a small trailhead serves as a popular access point for the AT. If necessary, take this opportunity to resupply in town as the next portion of the trail heads into remote backcountry. Head north along the road across the dam, then turn left onto Hogan road. Look for a white blaze on the right side of the road where the trail spurs off. Next, the AT spirals atop a ridge, offering an optional summit of Mount Hayes before continuing north to Cascade Mountain. In the area, you'll find some partial views, but none as commanding as the exposed summits in the Whites. Heading northeast, the trail makes its way to Maine, crossing a few picturesque high points along the way. Soon after crossing the state line, the trail summits Mount Carlo, Goose Eye Mountain, and a couple of smaller peaks as it makes its way to Old Speck Mountain. A short spur trail leads to the official summit, the fourth-highest peak in the state and the highest in the Mahoosuc Range. Ahead, the trail descends to Grafton Notch and a popular trailhead along the road. For a short hike, pair the AT with the Eyebrow Trail to form a loop from the road. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcat Ridge Trail 16 to D | 1.74 mi | 2,018 ft | 21.2% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 1.14 mi | 1,224 ft | 20.3% |
| First Steep Section Wildcat Ridge Trail from 16 | 0.34 mi | 781 ft | 43.4% |
| 2nd Steep Section of Wildcat Ridge trail from 16 | 0.20 mi | 400 ft | 36.8% |
| D Peak to A Peak | 1.70 mi | 640 ft | 3.8% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.74 mi | 499 ft | 12.7% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.63 mi | 266 ft | 8.0% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 1.23 mi | 1,532 ft | 23.6% |
| Carter Notch scramble | 0.22 mi | 522 ft | 44.3% |
| Carter Dome -> Hight side route | 0.79 mi | -587 ft | -11.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.77 mi | 518 ft | 12.8% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.86 mi | 413 ft | 9.0% |
| Rattle River Trail Descent | 4.00 mi | -2,480 ft | -11.7% |
| Hayes base to summit plateau | 2.50 mi | 1,732 ft | 13.1% |
| Mahoosuc Notch NOBO | 0.96 mi | -236 ft | -4.6% |