South Moat Mountain, Middle Moat Mountain, North Moat Mountain - Moat Mountain Trail - 5-9-2015

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	South Moat Mountain, Middle Moat Mountain, North Moat Mountain, NH

	Trails:	Moat Mountain Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, May 9, 2015

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Fairly large dirt lot; No facilities; Not a fee area

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Snow - Spring Snow

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	Only one crossing, which is bridged. One other small brook which was fine.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Trail has plenty of yellow blazes but most are very old and faded. There are numerous sections on the ledges where it can be a little difficult to follow. The stretch of trail between leaving the ledges of Middle Moat (roughly 2600') and just before the junction with Red Ridge is very overgrown and has numerous step overs and leaners. One significant blow down (N44° 01.890' W71° 12.229') obscures the path completely and a herd path is starting to form around it. Will require tools to clear.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Trails are fine for dogs. Quite a bit of ledge so make sure dogs paws are up for it and/or have protection. There is no water at all on the ridge either so pack enough. Shoulder approaching North Moat has a few decent scrambles which might be an issue for inexperienced dogs. Saw many dogs today.

	Bugs:	Mostly house-fly type flies and a few non biting insects. On way back I noticed some small clouds of gnats but they weren't biting yet.

	Lost and Found:	None


	Comments:	Trail was in good shape overall and very dry. There is a ton of very dry leaves in a few places on initial climb to lower ledges of South Moat which were slick because of how loose they were. Descending into woods off Middle Moat heading North the trail had some wet slick areas for a short distance. There were also some small patches of 6-12" deep snow here and there approaching North Moat (generally after Red Ridge junction) but they were easily negotiated without traction. Very dry today but on a wet day there are lengthy stretches of ledge throughout the hike that would be very slick and tricky.

	Name:	DayTrip

	E-Mail:	bblanchette0709@gmail.com

	Date Submitted:	2015-05-10

	Link:	https://
		Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.