Trails Used

Moat Mountain, Red Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

A nice OTHH outing, with just four of us. Foliage is a bit past peak there. The Red Ridge trail for descent is a nice, scenic option. Once the brook at the bottom of the steep sections is crossed, the walking becomes super easy, but that low part of the trail seems to go on forever before it ties into the low part of the Moat Mtn trail. There were quite a few tourists walking to and from the falls at the end of our hike. The 0.6 mile walk-in from lot to falls definitely is tourist-friendly, and something that actually could be done easily in flip-flops!

Parking

There were only a couple of cars in the Diana's Bath lot at 8am, but quite a few more at 3:30pm. It is a WMNF pay lot, so you need a pass or pay $5.

Water Crossings

Despite area rain totals two days ago hitting 1.5", apparently the ground still is below saturation and soaked up a lot of that rainfall. The Lucy Brook crossings were easy rock hops.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Did a traverse from north to south, with car spot on south trailhead. Excellent fall day for it. Quite steep going up North Moat then a few scrambles with down climbing to get from North Moat to Red Ridge Trail junction on the way to Middle Moat. That steep section going up North Moat was wet and slippery in places, but fine for ascending. Excellent views from each of the three Moat peaks with near-peak fall colors. Route and hike planning helped by www.summitsmarts.com, as with other hikes on the various lists.

Parking

No issue at south trailhead off Passaconaway Road. Diana's Baths lot is better in terms of crowds now that it's cooled off.

Water Crossings

No issues crossing Lucy Brook on the way up North Moat

Wildlife

no issues at all

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail, Attitash Trail, road walk, Bartlett Experimental Forest trails, road walk, Mt. Tremont Trail, Brunel Trail, Sawyer Pond Trail, forest service roads, Sawyer River Trail, Hancock Notch Trail, road walk, Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail, Tripoli Rd., Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Waterville Valley XC ski trails

Trail Conditions

Notes

This is a full report from the Jigger Johnson 50, which took place starting on August 15th, and was a point-to-point trip from the Moat Mountain trailhead on Passaconaway Rd. to the village of Waterville Valley. Trails were relatively dry, which made the Attitash Trail much more pleasant- the most likely places to get wet feet were the Hancock Notch Trail and the Greeley Ponds Trail. Even the swamp just west of the Big Attitash summit had enough logs and tree roots above the mud level that you could theoretically get across without submerging (I wasn't dexterous enough to fully accomplish this). Dry rocks also made the going much easier descending from North Moat, Mt. Osceola, and Mt. Tecumseh. We were treated to relatively temperate weather and partly cloudy skies- perfect conditions to abuse ourselves over 61.1 miles with 15,900' elevation gain. Many thanks to all of the random hikers who cheered us on and blatantly lied by telling us how strong we looked! :) Excruciating details- in keeping with the spirit of the race- on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Plenty of parking for the race start in Waterville Valley.

Water Crossings

All crossings, even those of the Swift River and Sawyer River, were relatively easy rock hops. Attribute this to the relatively dry conditions in 2026.

Wildlife

Mosquitoes emerged in the late afternoon / evening hours, but otherwise this was a mercifully bug-free event. There is a known yellow jacket nest on the Mt. Tecumseh Trail, on the steep climb just before reaching the saddle of West Tecumseh when approaching from the Tripoli Rd. side. A 100-mile participant told me that he got stung twice, and many other racers got stung as well. I was given the advice to stay to the right when ascending. I passed this area around 1:30 AM and in 50-degree temperatures, and fortunately there was no yellow jacket activity.

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail, Red Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

We enjoyed the hike! A good few miles of warm up and then you hit the steep climb for a few miles up to the summit of North Moat. We found the descent also steep as we made our way over to the Red Ridge Trail and enjoyed the views from there as well! Follow the cairns to stay on trail on the ridge. After the trail took us back into the woods, there was some steep descents for a mile and then more gentle ups and downs to finish. A tough hike but lovely on a beautiful day. I would NOT do this trail if it was wet.

Parking

Large parking lot at Diana's Baths, this was a Monday morning in early June so only 2 other cars at 8am.

Water Crossings

One crossing had a few of the rocks underwater, but we were able to rock hop with no problems. Other crossings were all able to be crossed on dry rock.

Wildlife

not too bad, but definitely some skeeters and black flies to annoy you

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail, Attitash Trash

Trail Conditions

Notes

Fun day out with Coach getting well off the beaten path for a moat traverse and a side of extra credit. First time on the section between Table and the Moat/Attitash Trail junction. An interesting, rugged, quiet area where it’s easy to feel alone. Got on trail at 6am and didn’t see a soul for the whole day, it was lovely. Saw a few random patches of snow and ice off to the side in some shady places. We can officially call ice out on the Moats.

Parking

Plenty of parking @ South Moat. Limited parking at Table and the space is wonky so make sure to follow Wheaton’s Law and not block anyone in.

Water Crossings

Lucy Brook wasn’t a problem, easy to rock hop. Perfect day to bust out the filters for some cold refreshment.

Wildlife

Couple things buzzing around but no eye contact was made.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The Moats are good to go. No more snow and there has definitley been some trail work done. No blowdowns and trail is in great shape.

Wildlife

None