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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Wildcat D, NH
Trails
Trails: Lost Pond Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, ski trails, Route 16
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, July 11, 2021
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked at Pinkham Notch, then did road walk back from Wildcat Resort to Pinkham Notch. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The only crossing was at the start, over a very nicely maintained bridge. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: No blowdowns. Trail was in good condition and well blazed. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Our three active dogs - lab/collie mutt, coonhound/lab mutt, westie - made it through. The two big dogs made it look easy, but we still directed them and slowed them down at sketchier times. Our westie got help on some of chimneys and a few spots on the slides where the rocks were jagged and it was hard for her to get good footing and balance. This is definitely not a hike for a dog that is out of shape, inexperienced, or super bouncy. You are better off just taking Pole Cat up and back for those pups. 
Bugs
Bugs: Surprisingly, despite being so humid, the bugs were really only bothersome on the walk down Polecat, but we were going at a fast enough speed to keep them away. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Lost Pond Trail from Pinkham Notch was beautiful. But then you hit Wildcat Ridge Trail. Don't let the 1.5 miles trick you to thinking this will be a quick hike (although some still do call it quick). It's a serious grade for the majority of this hike. You are walking up chimneys, slides, rock slabs, and ladders. It's a tough 1.5 miles, because just when you think its flat, you have another rock climb to do. The blazes are clear, the trail is in great condition, and the view is pretty from the tower (be sure to walk through the trees behind the gondola to get there). Then the walk down Polecat is what it is, an easier route down the ski slopes with some good view.

For now, I'll say I am one and done with Wildcat D (although never say never).  
Name
Name: Tang Team 
E-Mail
E-Mail: jmcend@gmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2021-07-12 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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