South Moat Mountain
Challenging hike in the White Mountains with rewarding summit views and unique mineral deposits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hike
South Moat Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Challenging hike in the White Mountains with rewarding summit views and unique mineral deposits. 
"This trail kicked my butt the last 1/3! Really nice hike though. "
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky terrain and potential ice/snow demand good hiking boots. Spikes are essential in cooler months.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Blazes are generally clear, but pay attention. Reroutes for restoration are marked.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
South Moat Mountain Summit
Panoramic vistas of the White Mountains await. A rewarding sight after a challenging climb.
Moat Mountain Traverse
Ridge connecting South, Middle, and North Moat
An epic trek along the ridge, offering continuous beauty and a sense of accomplishment.
Mineral Collection Site
Lower section of the trail
A unique stop for geology enthusiasts, with opportunities to find smoky quartz crystals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky terrain and potential ice/snow demand good hiking boots. Spikes are essential in cooler months.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Blazes are generally clear, but pay attention. Reroutes for restoration are marked.
💧 Dog-Friendly Option
Creeks along the trail make it a great option for hiking with your canine companion.
🚗 Parking Lot Fills Up
The lot is popular, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to get creative.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky terrain and potential ice/snow demand good hiking boots. Spikes are essential in cooler months.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Blazes are generally clear, but pay attention. Reroutes for restoration are marked.
💧 Dog-Friendly Option
Creeks along the trail make it a great option for hiking with your canine companion.
🚗 Parking Lot Fills Up
The lot is popular, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to get creative.
💎 Mineral Hunting
The lower trail has a mineral collection site; look for smoky quartz!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers generally praise South Moat Mountain for its rewarding summit views and challenging, yet manageable, terrain. Many appreciate its popularity as one of the first trails to clear of snow in spring and the unique mineral deposits. Some find the last third particularly strenuous, and parking can be an issue on busy days.
"Had not hiked in a while...this trail kicked my butt the last 1/3! Really nice hike though. Started raining just as we reached the top. Hung out for 10...15 minutes but then heard some thunder approaching, so scuttled down. Overall, lovely hike and beautiful day!!"
Susan Mooney
"I rarely give 5 stars; this was as close to 5 stars as it gets though! The approximate 3 miles to the summit with 2000' elevation gain was moderate, a steady climb to the top without notable scrambling.
The trails are easy to follow, though note there are a few parts undergoing restoration currently. AllTrails will try to navigate you via the old path, but signs are posted to lead you in the right direction. Milage differential is marginal with the current rerouting, possibly a few hundred extra feet.
I hiked this on 3/10/25; there was still quite a bit of hard-packed snow and ice along the way, and spikes were very much needed."
Benjamin Moreau
"A great trail for those looking for something a bit relaxing compared to the 4000fters, mostly quiet even on a weekend. The trail continues along the ride to middle and north moat with views along the way. Beautiful hike"
Devanee Guruge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located in Conway, New Hampshire. Access is typically via local roads from North Conway. Many visitors use GPS or navigation apps to find the parking area.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Public transportation options directly to the trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to have a personal vehicle or arrange for a ride-share service.
The trails are marked with blazes, but it's always a good idea to have a map or use a reliable hiking app like AllTrails, especially if you plan to do the traverse.
Yes, North Conway offers a charming village with shops and restaurants. Cathedral Ledge and the Conway Scenic Railroad are also popular nearby attractions. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking South Moat Mountain is free. There are no admission fees to access the trails or the summit.
Generally, no permits are required for day hiking on South Moat Mountain. However, always check local regulations for any specific requirements, especially for overnight stays or group events.
South Moat Mountain is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The trails are open from dawn until dusk.
There is no entrance fee for the South Moat Mountain trail. Access to the hiking trails is free for all visitors.
Yes, South Moat Mountain can be hiked in winter, but it requires proper winter hiking gear, including microspikes or snowshoes, and experience with winter conditions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The out-and-back hike to the summit is typically around 3 miles one way, taking 2-4 hours round trip depending on your pace and time spent at the summit. The traverse to Middle and North Moat is significantly longer.
It's considered a moderate to challenging hike, with a steady climb and rocky sections, especially in the last third. It offers about 2000 feet of elevation gain.
Yes, the summit offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding White Mountains. Sunset views are particularly stunning.
It can be suitable for older children who are accustomed to hiking. The last third is challenging, so assess your children's stamina and experience.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a map, sun protection, and wear sturdy hiking boots. In cooler months, bring layers and traction devices.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services or restaurants directly at the South Moat Mountain trailhead or summit. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks.
The town of North Conway, a short drive away, offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants.
Picnicking is permitted, but please pack out all trash. Enjoying a meal with a view is a great way to enhance your hiking experience.
There are creeks along the trail, which can be a water source if filtered or treated, but it's always best to carry sufficient water for your hike.
North Conway has everything from pizza and burgers to more upscale dining. You can find local New England cuisine and international options.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ridge traverse also provides numerous scenic overlooks.
Absolutely. The expansive mountain vistas, changing foliage in autumn, and dramatic skies make it a prime location for landscape photographers.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Drone usage may be restricted in national forest areas. It's crucial to check current FAA regulations and local rules before flying a drone.
Besides the grand landscapes, keep an eye out for unique minerals like smoky quartz, especially near the collection site, and the diverse flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing plenty of snacks and water, and make the hike an adventure by pointing out interesting rocks or plants. The views from the top are a great motivator. For families looking for a less strenuous but still scenic option in the area, nearby Cathedral Ledge offers easier access to impressive views.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Ridge Enthusiasts
The varied terrain and exposed ridge lines provide an exhilarating experience. The summit itself provides excellent panoramic views, and the opportunity to explore the mineral collection site adds a unique geological aspect.
Experienced hikers will appreciate the steady climb and the rewarding vistas, making it a great option for those looking to tackle a challenging day hike in the White Mountains. Remember to pack appropriately for variable weather conditions, especially on the exposed ridge. 💎 Geology & Mineral Enthusiasts
A specific mineral collection site exists on the lower part of the trail, offering a unique point of interest. While the primary draw for many is the summit view, the geological aspect adds a distinct layer to the experience. Even if you're not actively collecting, learning about the mountain's mineralogy can deepen your appreciation for the landscape. It's a chance to connect with the earth's history in a tangible way.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Moat Mountain Traverse: An Epic Ridge Hike
It's a journey that rewards perseverance with continuous ridge-top views and a true sense of accomplishment. This is not a casual stroll; it requires good fitness and planning, often necessitating a car spot at either end if not done as an out-and-back. The trail between the peaks is described as one of the loveliest ridge walks, offering a different perspective than the ascent to a single summit. Hikers often report a feeling of being 'way up in the clouds,' especially on clear days.
The varied terrain keeps the hike engaging, and the sense of remoteness, even on a popular mountain, is palpable. It's an experience that truly immerses you in the rugged beauty of the White Mountains. When planning the traverse, consider the weather carefully, as ridge lines can be exposed. The popularity of the Moat Mountains means you might encounter other hikers, but the length of the traverse often means you'll have stretches of solitude. It's a fantastic way to experience multiple peaks and diverse trail conditions in a single outing.
South Moat Mountain's Unique Geology and Mineralogy
This makes the hike more than just a physical challenge; it's an opportunity for discovery. The Reddit community mentions a short hike into the mineral collection site as a cool, albeit less scenic, alternative for those seeking this specific interest. The presence of minerals like smoky quartz and microcline adds a unique dimension to the mountain's appeal. For collectors and enthusiasts, South Moat Mountain is a known location for finding these geological treasures.
While the main hiking trails focus on summit views, the mineralogy aspect provides an additional layer of exploration for those who know where to look or are interested in the mountain's subterranean riches. Even if you're not actively collecting, understanding the mountain's geological makeup can enhance your appreciation of the landscape. The White Mountains are known for their complex geological history, and South Moat Mountain offers a tangible connection to this through its mineral deposits.
Navigating Trail Conditions and Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes significantly impact the hiking experience. In early spring (March/April), there can still be a considerable amount of hard-packed snow and ice, making spikes or microspikes essential for safe passage.
During summer and fall, the trail is generally clear, but rocky sections remain. The south-facing slope can make it feel warmer, so hydration is key. Autumn foliage offers spectacular views, but also brings increased popularity. Always check recent trail reports before your hike, especially if conditions are uncertain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit