Black Cap Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This fantastic and moderate trail leads to the summit of Black Cap Mountain and some great views.

Black Cap Trail is about halfway up Hurricane Mountain Road, which leads you through the Green Hills Preserves. The primary trail takes you straight to the summit of Black Cap Mountain, and along the way you'll find many other trails such as Cranmore Mountain Connection, Peaked Mountain Trail, Middle Mountain Trail, Mason Brook Trail, and Red Tail Trail, which all together equal around 10 miles of hiking trails.

Black Cap is located just behind Cranmore Mountain, and the summit gives you views of the ski area and North Conway with the Mt. Washington Valley all around it.

About 0.5 miles from the summit of Black Cap, you'll have the option to either go up the shorter foot path, or the longer multi-use path. The footpath is 0.3 miles to the peak, but is much steeper than your other choice. For an easier option, take the other fork, which is much more gradual, wider, and less rocky on the way to the peak. Both these options will eventually meet up.

Most of the hike consists of being below treeline in the dense woods. Once at the summit, low-cut shrubs cover a very rocky peak, and if you continue around the summit you'll find lots of tall grasses.