Trip/Event Location: North Conway, NHUS
Trip Leader(s): Gandalf , JDNnh
Max # People: 15
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
The Moat Mountain Trail traverses the main ridge of Moat Mountain, with magnificent views from South, Middle and North Moat mountains at peak foliage! Both North (3196') and South (2770') Moat
Our meeting spot is at our southern finish before carpooling to the start further North. The southern terminus is located on Dugway Road. At the lights in Conway village, turn north [directly opposite NH 153] onto Washington St., which becomes West Side Road. Go left at a fork, then at 0.9 mile, turn left on Passaconaway Road which becomes Dugway Road. We'll meet at the new trailhead parking area on the right, 4.1 miles from Conway. [Dugway Road continues and joins the Kancamagus Highway near Blackberry Crossing Campground so it's an option if travelling on the Kanc from Lincoln, NH.]
Ten GO members got together to do a Moats traverse. We've been on this range a few times, but this was the first time doing all three peaks. This day was great for views and enjoying the start of fall foliage! Diana’s Baths was quiet compared to the busy summer days. The hike up to North Moat is almost 4 ½ miles so there is quite a lot of hiking just to get to the first peak! It was cool and dry as we ascended. It’s a pretty mellow hike overall.
Once we got to North Moat Mountain we enjoyed unobstructed views in all directions! We took our lunch break here.
This is where the real fun begins. The trail descends steeply require some scrambling. Once we reached the junction of the Red Ridge Trail, the trail we were using, Moat Mountain Trail, had another pretty serious drop into a col and then a climb up to some open ledges with continuous views! If you like scrambling, then this trail is for you!
Middle Moat has lots of ledgy goodness!
We made a quick trip over to South Moat with more views.
The hike down was 2.7 miles after South Moat. This is a great hike. After the hike, we celebrated our achievement by having dinner and brews at the Moat Mountain Brewery of course!
Thanks to all who participated in this event.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Comment: What a great place to be on that beautiful fall day. The trail was interesting with keep changing views and many ups and downs. Thank you Mike and Jon for leading the group and thank you everyone for the great company. So again, for the next time, everyone,,please don't Fxxx up but HIKE UP.
Comment: Beautiful day, great hike!
Comment: Great trip and great bunch of guys. Couldn't have spent a better day!