South Moat Mountain, Conway, NH

This shorter day hike offers an exposed summit with 360-degree views, including a clear shot of Mount Washington. For that wide-open summit feeling, without the time commitment of an all-day hike, this mountain provides.

Despite the steady, three-mile ascent to the summit with a 2,140-foot elevation gain, I'd still rate this hike as dog and family-friendly. There is a steep rock scrambling section, but we encountered many medium-sized dogs on this hike who seemed to have no difficulty with the terrain. That said, smaller dogs may need to be scooped up and carried here, though this is something you'll want to discuss with your tiny dog's ego in advance of the hike.

Moat Mountain is a ridge extending from north to south with three main peaks: North, Middle, and South Moat Mountain. Each of these offers panoramic views from exposed summits and all three can be hiked via the Moat Mountain Trail. That said, South Moat is the easiest to access due to its shorter distance.

All Trails lists the length of this hike as 5.9 miles out and back, but my GPS recorded 5.7. In the warm weather, this hike takes me about three hours, but it's closer to four hours in the winter with snow.

An important note about hiking South Moat in the winter: The only way to access the trailhead is from Center Conway via Route 16 to Passaconoway (Dugway Rd). Do not attempt to reach Passaconoway from the Kancamagus because "you can't get there from here." The western end of Passaconoway is closed from November to May, but you can reach the South Moat trailhead from the eastern side. From Conway village drive north on Washington Street and left on Passaconaway Road (which turns into Dugway Rd).

The trail begins with a gentle ascent on a wide path. After about half a mile, you'll start to hear the soothing sounds of a large stream at the base of a steep slope to the right of the trail. There are a couple of stream crossings and many wet sections along the trail, so wearing good footwear is important, and hiking poles could be helpful. That said, the water serves as a natural source of hydration if you're hiking with a dog, which is helpful due to the exposed, sunny summit.

Cross a bridge over a babbling brook at one mile, before starting a more intense climb. Just before the two-mile mark, reach a steep section of rock scrambles.

After completing the rock scrambles, you’ll be rewarded with an open ledge and overlook with views to the southwest of Mount Chocorua.

The remaining half mile of the climb to the summit involves more open rock with some sections winding in and out of the forest. Keep your eye on the yellow blazes on the ledges and trees marking the path, as this section can be more difficult to follow. 

At the summit, delight in sweeping views of New Hampshire’s spectacular mountain ranges, including a clear view of Mount Washington to the northeast. Middle and North Moat Mountains are visible to the north.

If you're after a longer hike, continue another half mile to reach the summit of Middle Moat, and then two more miles to the summit of North Moat. This full traverse covers 9.9 miles round trip. You could also begin your hike from North Moat, which begins at the gorgeous waterfalls of Diana's Baths. Here are details on different route options for Moat Mountain.

As if this mountain couldn't get any better, it's just down the road from North Conway. End your day wandering this picturesque downtown with plenty of food and coffee to refuel you after a solid hike.