| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Moat Mountain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Red Ridge Trail, Moat Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, April 11, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking lot was near full on a Sunday afternoon |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Lucy Brook elevated, tree bridge was wiped out, will require slipper rock hopping |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Two blow downs just past Diana's Baths |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Doggos will be fine to attend |
|
 | Bugs: |
Not one in sight |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nada |
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|
 | Comments: |
Started my hike from the Diana's parking lot, lots of touristas. Hurried my way to the Red Ridge intersection, had to rock hop on barely exposed boulders, water is high in Lucy Brook. Motored my way to the base of the Red Ridge ascent. Trail is in great condition at the moment, no snow/ice on the trail, and minimal water running down the rocks. I was able to make quick time to the top of the ridge, excellent view all the way up. If you're curious about doing the elusive North Moat I recommend ascending red ridge as the North Moat ascent via the MMT is brutal, easily as hard as the 4ks. Once to the top of the ridge I was met with 6-12in monorail, this lasted all the way to right below the summit of North Moat, didn't use spikes but should have. After taking obligatory summit pics I descended. Trail was an absolute disaster, snow, ice, 6-12in but with no escapes to the side of the trail. I felt like tarzan trying to swing from tree to tree in an effort not to take a nasty slide even with my micro spikes. I don't think poles would have made a difference. This only lasted to 1/4 mile below the summit, but this section took me 45 minutes to tackle, and a fall would have been catastrophic due to the pitch and route. The rest of the trail down was a running stream with slick mossy rocks and few dry spots. Once to the bottom of the descent it was dry with little signs of ice or snow. If you're not ready for a challenge I would not attempt to descend this route, and I myself nearly turned back ready to go all the way back to Red Ridge because of how dangerous it was becoming. All in all a great hike, but I for one will be letting the ice melt off before I attempt that feat again. |
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 | Name: |
Liam D |
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 | E-Mail: |
li amd 2122@gmail-dot-com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-04-12 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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