Moat Mountains Traverse

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.

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 are on the “52 With A View” list.  After the hike we’ll have brews and dinner at...surprise surprise...the nearby Moat Mountain Brewery.

Moat Mountain, an elongated, craggy ridge, establishes the horizon west of Conway. The unnatural tree line at 2700 feet resulted from a fire in September 1854, when flames consumed the trees on the once forested landmark above the Saco River. We should be starting to see the fall foliage colors appearing. Every time we return to the bare cone of volcanic rock on North Mountain, we are awed at the jumble of mountain that rolls in a vast sweep from Carter Dome to Chocorua! And South Moat Mountain’s bare cone is almost as good as North Moat!

We will meet at the southern end of the Moat Mountain Trail at 9:00am, leave a few cars, and drive to the northern end to begin our hike. On this hike we will go 9.7 miles with an elevation gain of 3362'. We are aiming for a finish of 5pm. Bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.

Please read the entire event description before you RSVP. It is important, not only for your safety, but that of the entire group.

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. Dangerous weather conditions will cancel - we will post an and/or send an email to all confirmed participants a day or two ahead of time so make sure your email address on the site is correct. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

If anyone would like to carpool, leave a comment in the comment section.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!