[bubbalou]

HIKING THE WHITES June 25th
I am trying to set up the "Moats"hike with some help from local N. Conway clubs. I have spent some time this winter reconnecting with the area’s best spots.
I think that, either a day trip to the trailhead or stay over, we have interest.
What is great about the "Moats"? Several group options. But check this out before I continue:

Moat Mountain Trail (10 Miles)
Distance: 10 miles
Rock and Root Rating: 3
Hilliness: 4
Mud Rating: 1-2
The Moat Ridge is the Mt. Washington Valley’s version of the Franconia Ridge. The views from the ridge span in all directions. There are great views of the Presidentials from North Moat and great views of the Mt.Washington Valley and Chocorua from Middle and South Moat. Most people start this run from the Diana’s Bath Trailhead off of West Side Rd., climb North Moat, and head south. The climb up North Moat is steep at times, but worth the effort. After summiting North Moat the trail drops down a few small ledges and enters the scrub. More great views can be seen from the Red Ridge Intersection. Most of the trail is in the open from middle Moat to South Moat. The trail drops down to the new trailhead located on Dugway (Passaconaway) Rd. A car spot is recommended unless you like hitchhiking.
Directions:
To Diana’s Bath: Take River Rd. to West Side Rd. in North Conway. Follow West Side Rd. north past the entrance to the Cathedral Ledge Rd. The Diana’s Bath trailhead is about 0.5 miles ahead on the left.
To Dugway Rd.: Take West Side Rd. from Conway Village about 1.5 miles until you reach Passaconaway Rd. on the left. Follow this about 5 miles until you see the parking lot on the right. If you reach the Dugway Picnic Area you have gone too far.

I encourage people to look at the area, look at the map, and certainly, check AMC guide. Here are your options. Summit South Moat, take a good look at Chocorua to the south, great gain, time invested. Good for any level, let's a beginner understand endorphins. Finish there or continue. Super views from exposed ridge to Middle Moat,etc. From north end, Diana's Bath, great scenic spot at the pools and cascades, summit North Moat... traverse to south terminus or loop thru Echo area.
These options allow different levels to group together and split off if want or need. You all who want to do the Presi traverse understand attaining the goal. Beginners may be very satisfied and completely blown away with a first huge vista. Either way it can be habit forming, eh!
I think this hike could accommodate 20 people easily with a bit of coordination.
If everyone wanted to traverse, then 10 each way, need two experienced hikers for coaching each group.
What you need: Day Pack, wind breaker, light layers, water, hiking shoes (minimum), sun screen, lunch and energy snacks, whistle, first aid (minimum).
We will post this on the The Boston Hiking Meetup Group. This is a great site for hiking interests. http://www.meetup.co...-hiking/boards/
Look for David Buono in members or ‘ weekend hikes’ on message board

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The Moats can be a local, quick hike, I have never found them to be very "pleasing". There is just something about looking down on to North Conway and the Eastern Sandwich Range...My I recommend a Zealand Notch trip...Zeacliff Trail

bubbalou, on 28 Apr 2011 - 11:35 AM, said:

HIKING THE WHITES June 25th
I am trying to set up the "Moats"hike with some help from local N. Conway clubs. I have spent some time this winter reconnecting with the area’s best spots.
I think that, either a day trip to the trailhead or stay over, we have interest.
What is great about the "Moats"? Several group options. But check this out before I continue:

Moat Mountain Trail (10 Miles)
Distance: 10 miles
Rock and Root Rating: 3
Hilliness: 4
Mud Rating: 1-2
The Moat Ridge is the Mt. Washington Valley’s version of the Franconia Ridge. The views from the ridge span in all directions. There are great views of the Presidentials from North Moat and great views of the Mt.Washington Valley and Chocorua from Middle and South Moat. Most people start this run from the Diana’s Bath Trailhead off of West Side Rd., climb North Moat, and head south. The climb up North Moat is steep at times, but worth the effort. After summiting North Moat the trail drops down a few small ledges and enters the scrub. More great views can be seen from the Red Ridge Intersection. Most of the trail is in the open from middle Moat to South Moat. The trail drops down to the new trailhead located on Dugway (Passaconaway) Rd. A car spot is recommended unless you like hitchhiking.
Directions:
To Diana’s Bath: Take River Rd. to West Side Rd. in North Conway. Follow West Side Rd. north past the entrance to the Cathedral Ledge Rd. The Diana’s Bath trailhead is about 0.5 miles ahead on the left.
To Dugway Rd.: Take West Side Rd. from Conway Village about 1.5 miles until you reach Passaconaway Rd. on the left. Follow this about 5 miles until you see the parking lot on the right. If you reach the Dugway Picnic Area you have gone too far.

I encourage people to look at the area, look at the map, and certainly, check AMC guide. Here are your options. Summit South Moat, take a good look at Chocorua to the south, great gain, time invested. Good for any level, let's a beginner understand endorphins. Finish there or continue. Super views from exposed ridge to Middle Moat,etc. From north end, Diana's Bath, great scenic spot at the pools and cascades, summit North Moat... traverse to south terminus or loop thru Echo area.
These options allow different levels to group together and split off if want or need. You all who want to do the Presi traverse understand attaining the goal. Beginners may be very satisfied and completely blown away with a first huge vista. Either way it can be habit forming, eh!
I think this hike could accommodate 20 people easily with a bit of coordination.
If everyone wanted to traverse, then 10 each way, need two experienced hikers for coaching each group.
What you need: Day Pack, wind breaker, light layers, water, hiking shoes (minimum), sun screen, lunch and energy snacks, whistle, first aid (minimum).
We will post this on the The Boston Hiking Meetup Group. This is a great site for hiking interests. http://www.meetup.co...-hiking/boards/
Look for David Buono in members or ‘ weekend hikes’ on message board