Wildcat River Trail

Wildcat River Trail is a White Mountain National Forest hike in Jackson, New Hampshire, with the standard outing run as an 11-mile out-and-back to Carter Notch (a common turnaround is Carter Notch Hut). It’s a long day even when the lower miles feel easier, because the route progressively steepens and becomes rockier as it works toward the notch area.

Follow the trail alongside Bog Brook/Wildcat River in a river-valley setting. Expect river-side notch terrain with cascades and a steeper, rougher finish as you near the Carter Notch area.

The lower portion—about the first 1.9 miles—stays in good shape and is described as easier walking; after that, terrain and grades build, with the hardest hiking near the notch.

Plan for moderate/medium effort and a typical day time window of roughly 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on how far you go and how long you spend at the notch turnaround.

Trail signage is described as yellow blazes. Stream crossings are a key variable: there is at least one unbridged crossing and conditions can be high/more difficult after rain.

For a long-distance outing, be ready for elevation change (reported in sources as a steep gain profile), and for getting off the trail only when you’ve committed to the notch destination and turnaround plan.

More information: Conditions, Wildcat River Trail | Carroll County | New Hampshire - Hiiker, Carter Notch Wildcat River Trail | 3.8 mi | New Hampshire Hiking Trail