Spring into Summer Hike 3: N. Moat Mt.

We started off with three hikers on a partly sunny and moist morning with many mosquitoes.  The first half mile consisted of walking on a well groomed path leading to one of the more popular swimming holes in the White Mountains, Diana’s Baths.  After a short visit to the waterfalls we continued on our route.  The trail changed significantly with much more mud and flowing water to navigate through, a testament to recent heavy rains in the mountains along with the remnants of destruction hurricane Irene left three years ago.  The first three miles of the trip were quite flat, continuously moist, and well invaded by the mosquitoes.  We also had the opportunity to see an adult black bear and her cub scatter away from the trail ahead of us.  Always a healthy reaction for bears to have in the wild.

Once we began to ascend the Red Ridge our environment immediately changed.  The trail became much drier with stone and ledge to traverse, and the mosquitoes dwindled to an almost non-existent state.  Views to the east immediately broke out with every turn onto a different portion of ledge, the clouds were scattered with patches of sun breaking through to the valleys below, and several rain bands were visible slowly advancing toward us.  We decided to break for lunch near the top of the ridge where the views had a north-east-south span.  Here we encountered one of the earlier seen bands of rain giving us about a 10 minute ordeal requiring raingear, but the rain was immediately followed by some welcome sun light.

After our break we continued to the unnamed summit on Red Ridge.  Here the views to the west finally showed.  The next mile and half was a traverse between the unnamed peak and the summit of North Moat Mountain.  We had some thick patches of spruce that the trail weaved through along with several short and easy scrambles up wet rock.  During this part of the hike we encountered another rain band, this time with hail.  When the band first came over us small hail fell bouncing around and forming a faint white tint on the ground, after a few minutes the hail shifted to a light rain that lasted about twenty minutes before ending in more broken patches of sunlight.  Finally we tagged the North Moat summit.  Magnificent 360 degree views of the mountains!

We eyed a third rain band heading toward us while we were on the summit.  Just as the rain began again we decided to start our decent.  It was steep on wet ledge with a trail that needed brushing.  There was no loose gravel to be cautious of, but a keen eye was needed to take care not to step on slick lichens or roots.  About half way down the steep descent the welcoming sun broke out again.  The last of the rains have past us.  Once we descended most of the elevation we hiked a level path along several brooks, much like the start of our adventure.  The sun became more prevalent as we neared Diana’s Baths, and it was near full sun as we met our finish at the parking area.

Overall the hike had its challenges with the mosquitoes and rain, but the grand views and interesting terrain paid off in every way.  Another successful GO adventure!

Come along on our third spring hike.  On this trip we will hike North Moat Mountain (3196ft.).  This mountain hugs the west side of North Conway and packs rewarding views with a decent climb.

• Start Time: 9:00am
• Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
• Hiking pace: steady with breaks
• Distance: 9 miles
• Elevation Gain:  2736 feet

We will start at the Moat Mt. Trail/Diana’s Bath parking area and hike the Moat Mt. Trail to the Red Ridge Trial.  The first half mile of this leg will be a wide and easy path with several cascades and swimming holes known as Diana’s Bath, a very popular swimming destination.  Once we turn onto the Red Ridge Trail we will have a brook crossing then hike a gradually descending grade for about two miles before beginning the bulk of the accent.  The upper part of this trail will be on open ledges with many views.  Here, we will have lunch.  We will turn north onto the Moat Mountain Trail and traverse the Red Ridge, with some easy scrambles, to the summit of North Moat Mountain in about a mile to enjoy the summit views.  To descend we will continue north on the Moat Mountain Trail.  It will be a steady and relatively steep decent for the first half, will have a river crossing, then a level hike for several miles back to the parking area.

Please bring plenty of water and a lunch/snacks.  Shoes with good traction on rock and loose gravel is strongly encouraged.  Sunblock and bug spray is recommended.  Black flies may be a significant nuisance.

As the trip date comes closer I will send additional information to everyone who signed up.  Please feel free to contact Mark or me with any questions you may have about the hike.  Poor weather will postpone or cancel this hike.