The Wildcats. September 3, 2018

Wildcat ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail, 19 Mile Brook Trail, 8.7 miles, 3,150 feet of elevation gain

Want to know more about your state's food and farm safety rating?  Go to this Union of Concerned Scientist article.  To donate to UCS, click here.

We started before dark at the Wildcat ski area parking lot, after dropping off Alex at the 19 Mile Brook trail head.  We did this so she could do the Wildcat traverse solo, going in the opposite direction of us.  We were hiking with John Myers, so we car spotted with him.  Here is a blurry picture of me when we started out, walking up the ski slope.

Photo by Trish Herr

As we got farther up, it started to get lighter, and we realized the scenery around us was really quite beautiful.

There were a lot of wildflowers on the ski slope...

We continued up the slope, noticing the humidity and heat that was hanging over everything.

Looking  back...

We made it to the top of the ski area and then took the short path to the summit platform and viewpoint.  The view point was extraordinarily beautiful, as the sky was orange and you could see far into the distance.

We then went up the stairs to the viewing platform and took a short break.

Photo by Trish Herr

Photo by Trish Herr

Then, we continued over to Wildcat A.  In the middle of the ridge walk, we met Alex going the other direction.

Photo by Trish Herr

Finally, we got to Wildcat A.

Photo by Trish Herr

Then, we started to head down toward John's car and Route 16.

 After a stretch of steep descent, we reached the intersection between Wildcat Ridge Trail and 19 Mile Brook Trail.

We headed down quickly, mindful of Alex, who had already made it down the ski slope and to the Wildcat parking lot.  We didn't want to make her wait any longer than necessary.

The water was so green and beautiful here, I had to take a picture of it...

We hurried down the trail...

We eventually got to the trailhead.  From there, John drove us over to the Wildcat ski area to pick up Alex and get our car.  It was a fun hike for all of us, with great views and good company.