Although the White Mountains are a well-known ski destination, there is plenty to do in the summer. There was a host of activities at Wildcat Mountain. At the base lodge, one could purchase a variety of activity and/or food packages. We purchased a food/gondola ride package (about $22 each depending on food selection) and payed separately for the zipline ($20 each for one ride—the more you rode, the cheaper each ride.) We rode the Gondola Skyride to the top of the mountain and from the peak, we could see for miles. Some families had taken their food up to eat at the picnic tables scattered on the flat areas at the top of the mountain. The Appalachian Trail cut right through the top of the mountain, so one could hike along that or along several of the other trails.
Aside from riding up the mountain on the Gondola, there is a stocked Trout Pond where one could fish (a license is required for those over 16.) A mile from Wildcat’s base are Thompson Falls, a short hike along a self-guided trail. The most fun was the Ziprider, a 2,100 foot zip line cable over trails, trees and the Peabody River. The brochure tells us we could travel at speeds of up to 45 miles an hour--exhilarating!
From journal Bethel, Maine