Location and surroundings
Wildcat "D" belongs to the Appalachian Mountains chain, within the Northern U.S. Appalachians, the White Mountains, the Eastern White Mountains, and finally the Carter-Moriah Range. It is in Coös County, New Hampshire, in the northeastern United States. The peak is set on a ridge landscape typical of the White Mountains, with short distances between summits and steep drops into surrounding valleys.
By elevation, it is 59th in New Hampshire and 10th in its range. The area around it is mountainous and forested, with exposed ridge sections where weather can change quickly. The nearby Wildcat summits form a compact chain, so the mountain is best understood as part of a longer ridgeline rather than an isolated peak.
Neighbouring peaks
- Wildcat "E" — 1,233 m, 0.3 km SW
- Wildcat "C" — 1,310 m, 1.3 km E
- Wildcat "B" — 1,319 m, 1.8 km E
- Wildcat Mountain — 1,340 m, 2.1 km NE
- Little Wildcat Mountain — 1,020 m, 3.3 km N
- Carter Dome — 1,471 m, 4.1 km NE
- Lows Bald Spot — 852 m, 4.3 km NW
- Mount Hight — 1,415 m, 5.2 km NE
Wildcat "D" sits between lower and higher points on the ridge. The nearest higher peak is Wildcat "C", only 1.3 km to the east. Wildcat "E" is slightly lower and very close to the southwest, while the higher Carter-Moriah summits lie farther northeast.
The view from the summit
From Wildcat "D", the highest peaks within 25 km are part of the Presidential and nearby White Mountain high country. To the west is Mount Washington at 1,917 m, 6.8 km away. Also in view are Boott Spur to the west, Mount Monroe to the west, and the northern giants Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson to the northwest.
Farther west sits Mount Eisenhower, while the closest major high point in the Carter-Moriah area is Carter Dome to the northeast. The summit outlook is therefore dominated by the higher White Mountains to the west and northeast, with the ridge system linking many of the region’s main peaks.
The range
Wildcat "D" is part of the Carter-Moriah Range, which has 34 named peaks. Its highest peak is Carter Dome at 1,471 m, about 4 km northeast of Wildcat "D". The range lies in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, within the broader Appalachian system in the United States.
Within this range, Wildcat "D" is ranked 10th by elevation. That places it in the upper group of Carter-Moriah summits, though well below the range high point. The ridge is known for a sequence of named peaks rather than a single dominant summit.
Climbing routes
The usual routes mentioned for the Wildcat ridge are the Wildcat Ridge Trail from Route 16 and the Wildcat Ridge Trail from Jackson via Carter Notch. A nearby hut on the ridge is Carter Notch Hut, which can be useful for longer traverses in the area.
These routes fit the character of the mountain: a ridge walk with multiple summits rather than a short standalone climb. Conditions on the White Mountain ridges can be windy, wet, and rocky, so route choice and timing matter even on a modestly high peak.
Access and starting points
Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire is the usual starting point for a climb of Wildcat "D". The mountain is also approached from Jackson via Carter Notch. Both access points place the climb in the eastern White Mountains, where trail routes often follow ridges and connect several summits in one outing.
In this part of the White Mountains, hikers should expect rocky footing, elevation gain, and changing weather on open ridges.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit of Wildcat "D" is warmest in July, at about 14 °C, and coldest in January, at about -12 °C. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,250 mm, with the wettest month in June at about 135 mm and the driest in January at about 70 mm.
Months with a mean above freezing at the summit are May through October. Typical hazards in the White Mountains include rapid weather changes, strong ridge winds, fog, rain, ice, and winter snow. Even in the warmer season, exposed sections can feel much colder than valley temperatures suggest.
Best time to visit
The summit climate suggests the most comfortable season is late spring through early autumn, especially May to October, when mean temperatures are above freezing at the top. June is the wettest month, so trail conditions can be damp and slippery, while January is cold and snow-covered.
For a ridge hike, summer and early autumn usually offer the best balance of daylight and temperatures. Even then, the mountain’s elevation and exposed position mean that wind, cloud, and sudden cooling remain part of the experience.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes of Wildcat "D" are part of the White Mountains’ forested highland environment. Lower sections are typically covered by northern hardwood and conifer forest, while higher ridge areas become thinner, rockier, and more exposed. At this elevation, the vegetation shifts toward hardy mountain plants and stunted trees where the wind is strongest.
Wildlife in this region can include birds and mammals adapted to cold, wooded mountains. Hikers may also encounter wet ground, mossy sections, and rocky ledges. The ridge setting means that habitat changes quickly with elevation and exposure.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Wildcat "D", a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers, but it can be useful in poor visibility, winter conditions, or for visitors unfamiliar with White Mountain ridge travel. In the United States, the main professional body is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. Guided trips in the United States usually depend on route length, group size, equipment needs, and whether overnight logistics are involved.
Safety and preparation
Wildcat "D" is not extremely high, but it sits on a mountain ridge where weather, footing, and navigation can be more demanding than the elevation alone suggests. Good boots, layers, rain protection, and a map are sensible even in summer. In colder months, snow and ice can make the ridge much more serious.
For mountain rescue in the United States, the emergency number is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system. On exposed terrain, it is wise to start early and turn back if cloud, wind, or ice builds up.
History and name
Wildcat Mountain and its peaks were named for the wildcats that once lived in the area. The summits are arranged alphabetically from A as the highest to E. Wildcat "D" is one of those lettered summits on the ridge, part of a naming pattern that reflects the broader Wildcat group rather than a separate mountain identity.
This naming system helps distinguish the closely spaced peaks along the ridge. It also shows that the Wildcat summits are best understood together, as a linked chain of high points in the Carter-Moriah Range.
Interesting facts
Wildcat "D" is the 10th highest of 34 named peaks in the Carter-Moriah Range and the 59th highest of 1,740 named peaks in New Hampshire. Its nearest higher peak is Wildcat "C", 1.3 km to the east. The range high point, Carter Dome, is about 4 km away to the northeast.
The mountain also sits within sight of some of the highest peaks in the White Mountains, including Mount Washington, Mount Adams, and Mount Jefferson. That makes it part of a ridge system that connects local summits with the region’s major high peaks.
FAQ
How high is Wildcat "D"? It rises to 1,238 m.
Where is Wildcat "D"? It is in Coös County, New Hampshire, in the United States, within the Carter-Moriah Range of the White Mountains.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Wildcat "C", 1.3 km to the east, at 1,310 m.
What is the highest peak in the Carter-Moriah Range? Carter Dome is the highest, at 1,471 m, about 4 km northeast of Wildcat "D".
Is there water on the way to Wildcat "D"? The ridge terrain is exposed, so plan to carry your own supply. For a day hike, 1.5-3 litres is a sensible range depending on heat and length, and you should not rely on finding water on the open ridge.
How long does it take to climb Wildcat "D"? A typical ascent from Pinkham Notch via the Wildcat Ridge Trail is about 2-3 hours.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable? Coverage on the summit and upper ridges is variable and often weak or absent in deep valleys. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you set out.