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This is a quick trail to the summit of Black Cap that reaches many other connecting trails!


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

80%

Runnable

2,354' 717 m

High

1,763' 537 m

Low

590' 180 m

Up

589' 180 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

17%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

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

Hurricane Mountain Road is closed during the winter season.

Overview

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

Runner Notes

There are lots of tree roots and rocks in some areas.

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 running 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.

Flora & Fauna

Most of the run 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.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ben Croce with improvements by Liz

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 12 votes

#819

Overall
  4.7 from 12 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#12

in New Hampshire

#819

Overall
58 Views Last Month
13,552 Since Aug 22, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
23%
62%
8%
8%
0%

Photos

Vew from a spot just below the summit marker on the Red Trail.
Jun 23, 2021 near North C…, NH
Summit of Black Cap
Aug 22, 2017 near North C…, NH
The summit marker
Jun 3, 2019 near North C…, NH
Black Cap "Spur" Path, connects back to main trail
Aug 22, 2017 near North C…, NH
Start of Black Cap Connector looking backwards.
Sep 25, 2017 near North C…, NH

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Aug 15, 2022
Matt Quante
2mi — 0h 20m
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