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South Moat Mountain Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Running trail in Conway, New Hampshire · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4.6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from South Moat Mountain Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking destination with views at the top including a scramble near the end.
What runners say about South Moat Mountain Trailhead
“A half mile later you have great views from Middle Moat and about 2.”
“The trails are easy to follow, though note there are a few parts undergoing restoration currently.”
A hiking buddy of mine a I spotted a car at this trailhead and also at Diana's Bath. We did this so we could hike the Moat Mountain ridge that includes South Moat, Middle Moat and North Moat Mountain. The parking lot times have been listed incorrectly for some time and is total BS. The large lot is open 24 hours.
Yes, if you are staying in North Conway and don’t like skiing or tubing- this is your HIKE! Yes- these are the mountains to your left as you enter NC. A typical white mountain hike. First part easy, then switchbacks, a little scramble, a steady climb, and rewarding views.
I love this trail and have hiked South Moat many times. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow as long as you pay attention to blazes. The parking lot does tend to fill up on weekends, although people will get creative findings anywhere to fit their car in.
Spectacular 360 panoramic view of the White Mountains NORTH-SOUTH-EAST -WEST ✨🔥✨. Great trail with a good mix of varying inclines, but nothing super steep 🤩. One “ S” shaped section of the trail looks down into a steep river valley and you can hear the river loudly roaring 🥰. 6 miles out and back…very very nice trail.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a more challenging hike for a summit on the 52 with a view list, especially if you add in north moat to make it a 11+ mile out and back.”
“The approximate 3 miles to the summit with 2000' elevation gain was moderate, a steady climb to the top without notable scrambling.”
“The parking lot does tend to fill up on weekends, although people will get creative findings anywhere to fit their car in.”
“Coming down it was easy to find the way for the most part, but going up some of the trail markers are hard to spot.”
“Most of the hike is covered by trees and parts of it are rather steep and over a very rocky terrain.”
Plan your run at South Moat Mountain Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance4.6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 603-536-6100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Conway
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Moat Mountain Mineral Site Trailhead
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Piper Trailhead
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