NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks North Moat Mountain, NH
Trails
Trails: Moat Mountain Trail, Red Ridge Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, August 25, 2012
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parking at Diana's Baths. $3.00 daily fee. Pay on site at Kiosk. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Standing/Running Water on Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: You cross running water a couple of times on way up, and a couple of times on way back. Fairly easy to get through. Can imagine it being more difficult with more rain. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Blazes are fair on way up red ridge trail. You do need to take your time spotting them. Slightly before summit of North Moat and definitely after the blazes become very spotty, and you're relying mostly on trail sighting. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Hearty dogs can manage this hike. 
Bugs
Bugs: No bug problems today. Did not use any spray. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Do not be fooled by the first fork in the trail. Stay left at the first fork. We made the mistake of thinking it was the counter-clockwise direction for this loop hike. You'll need to walk over 1 mile before you come to the "real" fork in the loop, including signage. After some deliberation, we decided because we got a later start due to the trail confusion, we would head up CLOCKWISE through the loop. I have seen many people suggest taking the route counter-clockwise, but after taking the route clockwise I prefer that direction. Counter-clockwise would be a grueling ascent of 2 miles to the summit, after easy grade for about 3 miles. That doesn't sound too bad, but let me tell you, ascending that way would be trying if your endurance for steady elevation isn't the best. It is non-stop elevation gain. Some have also reported that the counter-clockwise ascent means a less steep descent. I have to disagree. The more challenging scrambles were on the red ridge trail, so I would advise if you are somewhat afraid of heights or have trouble on scrambles to take this route clockwise. We took the route clockwise and it's still a trying route, and why the route is rated strenuous/difficult.


The first part is flat and straight, but then you will climb sharply up the red ridge trail. There are a couple of fun scrambles on the way up that add a sense of big mountain hiking. Pace yourself here. Enjoy the views along the way. When you think you may have hit summit, you have not. You need to continue to north moat, which is in view to your 2 oclock when you reach the top of red ridge trail. It's the obvious highest peak in your local view. Note that this stretch has some steep ascents, but there are easy stretches too, so you get a rest. Continue another mile or so and summit North Moat. We summitted at 1:00pm, which is a good time to aim for if you hit the trail around 9:30. You have another 5 miles to go, descending slowly/sharply for 2 of those miles, so rest up and know that you have three hours to go anyway, or more. If you're like me and afraid of heights/steepness, note that is really isn't bad at all despite all the reports/descriptions of "steepness". I never had a stomach turning moment, so take some solace in that. If I had to descend counter-clockwise I might have a different opinion, again contrary to some suggestions. Everyone is different. Keep your eyes peeled for the yellow blazes and take the time to stay on course. You'll see for yourself how easy it could be to get misdirected.


The views were stunning, despite the haze/cloudiness. On a crisp late september day this would be a dream hike! Enjoy it, and if you want any last minute advice, or just to tell me your story, I'd love to hear from you! Happy Hiking!  
Name
Name: Jeff 
E-Mail
E-Mail: ja DOTcote @ gmail DOT com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2012-08-25 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved