The Red Ridge Loop is a 10 mile loop hike located just outside North Conway, New Hampshire that climbs the steep and rocky summit of North Moat Mountain before descending the Red Ridge Trail down a series of open ledges with awesome views of Mt Washington and the lesser summits of the Mt Washington River Valley. With close to 3000 feet of elevation gain, this is a moderately strenuous hike, but well worth the climb for the views. Hikers finish near Diana's Baths, a famous White Mountains waterfall and swimming hole, that's perfect for a refreshing dip at the end of the hike.
Recommended Waterproof Map
Distance and Difficulty Rating
- 10 miles with 3000′ of elevation gain
- Moderately strenuous
Trailhead Directions
- The Diana Bath's trail head is on the Upper West Side Road about two and on half miles from North Conway Village. A daytime parking fee or White Mountain season parking sticker is required. Illegally parked cars are towed. Click for USFS trailhead information and GPS coordinates.
- This is a very popular trailhead, so get there early in the day to get a parking space.
Season
- April – mid November
- Bring plenty of water on sunny days, when the open rock ledges of the Red Ridge Trail radiate heat
Printable Trip Plan Map and GPX File
Trail Sequence
- Follow the Moat Mountain Trail for 4.2 miles to open summit of North Moat Mountain
- Continue on the Moat Mountain Trail for 1.1 miles to the Red Ridge Trail Junction
- Turn left onto the Red Ridge Trail and follow it for 2.1 miles descending across open rock ledges
- Dropping below treeline, continue on the Red Ridge Trail for 1.5 miles until you reach the Moat Mountain Trail
- Turn right onto the Moat Mountain Trail and follow it for 1.1 back to the trailhead parking lot
On the Trail
This hike runs counter-clockwise along the route shown above, climbing North Moat Mountain first, before descending along the Red Ridge Trail.
Follow the Moat Mountain Trail from the Trailhead, passing through a developed recreation areas that leads to by Diana's Baths, a popular waterfall and summertime swimming hole on your left. This is a great place to stop at the end of the hike for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Continue along the Moat Mountain Trail which runs along Lucy Brook. At 1.2 miles, you'll pass the southern end of the Red Ridge Trail Junction where it crosses a brook and rejoins the Moat Mountain Trail. Continue past the junction and stay on the Moat Mountain Trail which crosses several small brooks.
At 2.4 miles, you'll arrive at a trail junction with the Attitash Trail. Veer left here, following the Moat Mountain Trail and begin to climb, passing through mixed scrub, which gradually gives way to open ledges as you climb toward the summit of North Moat Mountain. This is the steepest section of the hike, so set a comfortable pace as you climb.
At 4.2 miles, you'll reach the open summit of North Moat Mountain (3196′) which has 360 degrees views that include Mt Washington and Mt Chocorua. There many good places to sit at the summit, which is a fine place to take a break and admire the views.
If you look to the southeast, you can also make out the open ledges of the Red Ridge Trail as they descend to the valley below.
Leaving North Moat, continue southeast along the Moat Mountain Trail, dropping down a series of ledges that require a bit of scrambling. After passing another open viewpoint, you'll enter a wooded stretch, climbing again towards the junction with the Red Ridge Trail at 5.3 miles, turning left to follow it. There's a good chance you'll encounter wood grouse guarding their nests at the top of the trail who may screech an alarm as you approach. There's no need to fear them. They'll run away as you approach, although they may be agitated.
As you descend, take a moment to admire the profile of North Moat Mountain over your right shoulder.
Follow the cairns that mark the Red Ridge Trail carefully, while admiring the grand views that of the Mt Washington Valley that open up before you. Hikers in the White Mountains yearn for these grand expanses of open ledge and the vistas that they offer.
After approximately a mile, the trail drops down below treeline again, descending steeply down open ledges that require careful footwork. After passing once again through forest, it rejoins the Moat Mountain Trail at 8.9 miles after a brook crossing, which is often rock hoppable in low water. Turn righ tonto the Moat Mountain Trail at this junction (which you passed early in the route) and continue for 1.1 miles, once again passing Diana's Baths on the way to the trailhead parking lot.
Safety Disclaimer
This trip plan can not alert you to every hazard, anticipate your experience, or limitations. Therefore, the descriptions of roads, trails, routes, shelters, tent sites, and natural features in this trip plan are not representations that a particular place or excursion will be safe for you or members of your party. When you follow any of the routes described on SectionHiker.com, you assume responsibility for your own safety. Under normal conditions, such excursions require the usual attention to traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, the capabilities of your party, and other factors. Always check for current conditions, obey posted signs, and Backcountry Camping and Wilderness Area Regulations. Hike Safe and follow the Hiker responsibility code. SectionHiker.com receives affiliate compensation from retailers that we link to if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. This helps to keep our content free and pays for our website hosting costs. Thank you for your support.The post Great Hikes in the Whites: The Red Ridge Loop appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog.
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