The Ridge is best viewed from the summit of Mt Washington. It looks flat from that distance but is definitely got allot of bumps. I've hiked the ridge in summer and winter, I'd have to say summer was my favorite because of the wild strawberries on the lower slopes of the Polecat Trail.
THE TRAILHEADS
Wildcat Ridge Trail trailhead is right on RT-16 just south of Pinkham Notch. Many though park at Pinkham Notch and take the Lost Pond Trail (almost directly across the road.) This is a very flat and attractive walk beside a beautiful blue pond which joins Wildcat Ridge Trail. This avoids the crossing of the Glen Ellis River. From personal experience, Lost Pond is the way to go.
Wildcat Ridge Trail exits at the Hut where it joins up with Nineteen Mile Brook Trail which is another popular route especially to Wildcat-A
A nice loop is to go across Lost Pond Trail to Wildcat Ridge Trail go across the ridge all the way over E-D-C-B-A Peaks and then back over to D peak where you can take the Polecat Trail down to the ski area then walk the short distance to Pinkham Notch. I've done this in summer, it's a great way to get the two 4K official peaks in a day without spotting a car
THE MOUNTAINS
Wildcat E is reached first on the WRT after a steep and rough climb which can be tricky when wet or icy. From there it's a cruise over to "D" (4,050') which has a nice deck with great views of the Presidentials. The ridge walk over C and B has many ups and downs and then to official "Wildcat-A."(4,422') We went back over the minor peaks to D and then meant to go down Polecat but instead made the mistake of going down Catamount which was STEEP! Polecat is nearer the "D" Summit where there is a deck.
