South Moat Mountain Trail is a more challenging hike that moves through pine and hardwood forests and rises into ledges. The path starts at the Moat Mountain Trailhead on Dugway Road and reaches the summit of South Moat in 2.7 miles. At the top, there are 360-degree views of the Presidential Range and Sandwich Range. For the average hiker, the roundtrip trek takes about four hours.
For those who are looking for even more of a challenge, the hike can be extended by continuing on Moat Mountain Trail for another 0.6 miles to get to Middle Moat Mountain. In the winter months, the trail is accessible via mountaineering snowshoes or traction, such as Katoola MICROspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons, but plan ahead and be careful because the ledges can be icy and slippery. (Snow will also increase the hike time.)
If you go…
This trail is about 15 minutes from Conway Village. From the village, drive north on Washington Street, take a left on to Passaconaway Road, which becomes Dugway Road. After 2.2 miles turn right into the Moat Mountain parking lot.