I finally tried the shortcut through Carter Notch instead of the long ridge route, and it saved me 4 hours | Backpacking Routes - The Design Community Hub
I finally tried the shortcut through Carter Notch instead of the long ridge route, and it saved me 4 hours
I hiked the Wildcat Ridge loop in New Hampshire 3 years ago and swore I would never do that 11 mile grind again, but a guy at the trailhead in Pinkham Notch mentioned the Carter Notch cutoff shaves off almost 4 hours if you do not mind a steep scramble. Has anyone else taken the notch route in wet conditions, or do you stick to the ridge when the rocks are slick?
Nothing says "saved 4 hours" like spending 20 extra minutes sliding down wet granite on your butt, but hey, time is time right? I'd take the ridge when it's slick unless you really enjoy testing your grip on slimy rocks.