White Mountains Hiking: South and Middle Moat Mountains via Moat Mountain Trail and Red Ridge Trail — a White Mountains Ridge Walk with Amazing Views
Moat Mountain Trail from Passaconaway Road to West Side Road - Hike Description
We hit the trail early, starting out from the Moat Mountain Trailhead on Passaconaway Road. The air was cool, the woods still waking up, and the trail gave us an easy start—meandering gently through a quiet hardwood forest. Tall trunks, moss-covered rocks, and that soft forest floor underfoot set the tone for what was shaping up to be a good, long ramble.
As we climbed, the forest began to change. The trees thinned, the grade steepened, and the trail got a little scrappier—more roots, more ledge, and that unmistakable feeling that views were just ahead. Then, about 2.5 miles in, the trail popped us right out into the open, and wow—it felt like the whole Mount Washington Valley opened up in front of us. Northward, the Presidential Range loomed in the distance, cloud-wrapped and moody. To the south and west, it was all ridges and forests, just layer after layer of the Whites spilling out to the horizon.
South Moat might not make the tallest peaks list, but from its granite summit slabs, you get a view that holds its own with the best of them. We dropped our packs, took it all in, and lingered longer than planned.
From there, the trail kept the magic coming. The ridgeline to Middle Moat was hands-down our favorite stretch of the day. It’s one of those rare paths that strings together wide-open granite, twisty dwarf pines, and big sky views that don’t let up. It really does feel like you’re walking the spine of the Whites—sky above, forested valleys falling away on both sides.
Middle Moat’s summit came and went, and soon we were peeling off to the right onto the Red Ridge Trail—a quieter, lesser-traveled descent that feels like a hidden gem. Right away, the trail starts dropping over wide granite ledges, with pitch pines clinging to the rock and long views stretching out to the southeast. The sun was high by then, the ledges were warm underfoot, and for a while it almost felt like hiking out west.
Eventually, the trail dipped back into the woods, and the stone gave way to soil again. The shade returned, softening the afternoon sun, and soon we could hear it: the steady, echoing sound of falling water. Diana’s Baths isn’t exactly a secret, but even with the crowds, it’s still a pretty sweet way to end a hike—clear pools, smooth cascades, and just enough cold water to wake up tired feet.
After a quick soak and a few photos, we picked up the pace for the last stretch out to the West Side Road trailhead. Nine miles, just under 3,000 feet of gain, and a little bit of everything: quiet woods, open ridgelines, big views, and a waterfall finale. Not much more you could ask from a day in the Whites.
Moat Mountain Trail from Passaconaway Road to West Side Road Details🧭 Trailhead: Moat Mountain Trail on Passaconaway Road (Google Maps), ending at West Side Road (Google Maps)
🥾 Distance: ~9 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: ~2,800 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
📸 Highlights: Sweeping summit views, granite ridge walk, waterfall ending
🗺️ GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
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- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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