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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks South Moat Mountain, Middle Moat Mountain, North Moat Mountain, NH
Trails
Trails: Moat Mountain Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Nice parking area off Passaconaway/Dugway Rd only had one other car and a USFS pickup in it when we got there. The Albany covered bridge is open. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Rock steps. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: There are ballpark 10 or so larger stepovers along the ridge, all pretty easy to deal with. I took out a half dozen or so saplings crossing or in the trail and moved some debris. Some parts of the trail along the ridge but away from the ledges need a good brushing. There's almost no waterbars on this mostly dry trail which doesn't need many, but there's one small section of trail between Middle and North that is steep and eroding which could use some. Signs are all present for the Moats and the Moat Mineral Site trails, but only the southern trailhead of Thompson Falls was signed.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Pepper had fun. After having been leashed for the Moat Mineral Site and THompson Falls trails which had some mountain bikers on it. he liked being free on these lovely trails, except for when we ran into a couple of other hikers. There's not a lot of water up high; a few rain pools on Middle Moat and a small seep north of it; so bring water. The crisp temps and a breeze were just what he liked given the strength of the sun on his dark fur these days. He's very adept on the ledges (going up North Moat in particular) and had no problems; some dogs may need a boost in a few places. 
Bugs
Bugs: None! 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: It's use it or lose it month for my 2012 vacation days, so Pepper and I had a grand day redlining the new Moat Mineral Site & Thompson Falls trails, and then doing one of the best hikes in the Whites, the Moats. Sun, crisp temps and a breeze on a workday meant no bugs or crowds, with comfy hiking, a leisurely lunch on North Moat, and great views. I thought about doing a loop of the Moats with the Moat Mineral & Thompson Falls using FR379, but the High St and Passaconaway road walks would go by a lot of homes and include a long stretch of narrow windy road, which would've forced me to keep Pepper on a short leash with constant attention. Besides the ridge hiking is so good, twice is nice. This is a great hike, and today was a great day for it.  
Name
Name: Pepper and Me 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2013-05-14 
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.

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