Near Black Cap Trail
Summit of Black Cap
Near Black Cap Trail
Summit of Black Cap
Near Black Cap Trail
Vew from a spot just below the summit marker on the Red Trail.
Near Black Cap Trail
View to the NW from near the top of Black Cap Trail
Near Black Cap Trail
Black Cap "Spur" Path, connects back to main trail

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Hike Route

Black Cap Trail

4.7 (12 Ratings)
This is a quick trail to the summit of Black Cap that reaches many other connecting trails!
2.5
mi
Distance
677
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekSpringViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Hurricane Mountain Road is closed during the winter season.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.49mi
Distance
677ft
Elevation Gain
677ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
2,367ft
High Point
1,697ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
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.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Ben Croce