South Moat Mountain

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail, bushwack

Trail Conditions

Notes

Ah, that glorious season between snow and bugs! 99.9% free of ice and snow. The trail is in great shape to the summit of South Moat. From there I headed over to the ridge to the west and down towards Haystack and Eagle Cliff. It was nice going and mostly snow free in enough places to avoid hiking through it on the way to the ridge. I made it down the ridge as far as Haystack, then bailed down into the hardwoods for the rest of the way out. The ridge, having mostly soft woods, still has a bit of snow. There was a turkey calling out, looking for love. I found quite a few nice cascades along the Dry Brook.

Parking

Passaconaway Rd lot had room for 6ish more cars all day.

Water Crossings

none

Trails Used

Moat Mountail Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Bareboots car to car. A few small patches of snow/ice, mostly during 1st mile. Lots of running water on ledges made them slippery. Better conditions than expected for early April.

Parking

No issues, large lot

Water Crossings

None. Wood Bridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

60 degree sunny day. Able to bareboot approximately 95% of hike. Crampons/spikes recommended for short icy sections.

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We actually barebooted the whole way, though there were a couple of sections where spikes might have made things a little easier. The majority of the trail was actually snow and ice free, and was completely dry. The snow and ice was confined to a few shady stretches.

Parking

The lot is surprisingly not that muddy.

Water Crossings

The one without the footbridge was an easy step over.

Wildlife

I saw one…

Trails Used

Moat Mountain

Equipment

Notes

The Moat Mountain Trail was pretty much a boot path. Used microspikes the entire distance. Snowshoes were left on the pack. No danger of postholes. The snow was pasty/slushy. Easy to slide especially during descent. The microspikes were ineffective in the soft snow and slush but were useful in other stretches of snow. Snowshoes could be used in places but would not be recommended in other sections. Snowshoes not necessary in today's conditions. Near the summit, the boot path strays briefly from the official path. The ledge areas were not icy. All of these conditions may change with the forecasted weather. Nice to hike with Jeff (trail maintainer for Middle Sister & Skookumchuck trails). Saw some other hikers including a hiker from Ontario. Great views from the summit. Most surfaces at the summit were snow covered so there wasn't many dry spots to sit.

Parking

Lot off Passaconaway Road is plowed.

Water Crossings

Dry Brook is spanned by a bridge.