Black Cap
A moderate 2.3-mile loop hike in Conway, NH, offering breathtaking panoramic summit views of the White Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temps and fewer crowds.
Black Cap
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temps and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate 2.3-mile loop hike in Conway, NH, offering breathtaking panoramic summit views of the White Mountains.
"The views at the top are beautiful! Highly recommend this hike."
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails have rocks & roots; can be wet/slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check weather for rain
Trails get muddy and slick after rain. Be prepared for wet conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding valley and peaks. A truly rewarding sight after your hike.
Well-Marked Trails
Throughout the trail
Clearly marked paths with signs make navigation easy, even for less experienced hikers.
Bald Summit Rock Scramble
Summit
The rocky, exposed summit offers a unique hiking experience and excellent photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Timing
Getting to the Trailhead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails have rocks & roots; can be wet/slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check weather for rain
Trails get muddy and slick after rain. Be prepared for wet conditions.
⬆️ Manageable for kids
Great for kids 6-7+, but the rocky summit needs care.
📸 Capture the views
The summit offers stunning panoramic photo ops. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails have rocks & roots; can be wet/slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check weather for rain
Trails get muddy and slick after rain. Be prepared for wet conditions.
⬆️ Manageable for kids
Great for kids 6-7+, but the rocky summit needs care.
📸 Capture the views
The summit offers stunning panoramic photo ops. Don't forget your camera!
🗺️ Follow trail markers
Trails are well-marked, making navigation straightforward.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Black Cap is lauded for its accessible moderate hike leading to spectacular panoramic summit views. Reviewers consistently praise the well-marked trails and the rewarding vistas, making it a popular choice for families and day-trippers. Some note that trails can be wet and muddy after rain, and the rocky summit requires careful footing.
"Easy hike to the top with great views and easy paths."
Justin Honig
"Short (took me about 30 minutes one way), fairly easy, steep hike. The trail was in good condition (October), with easily seen markings and trail signs. There are the usual rocks and roots and the top is all rock which some might find tricky with younger kids but 6/7 and older would be perfect for this trail. The views at the top are beautiful!"
Amanda B
"Came here from the top of Canmore's ski lift, which happens to be about 2.5 miles. Great views of the valley and the peaks all around."
Steve Zamek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main trailhead for Black Cap is located off Hurricane Road in Conway, New Hampshire. It's part of the Green Hills Preserve.
Parking is typically available at the Hurricane Road trailhead, but it can fill up on busy weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Black Cap is located near Conway, New Hampshire, and is a popular hiking destination in the White Mountains region.
While the Hurricane Road trailhead is the most common, there might be other access points depending on the specific trail system you are using within the Green Hills Preserve.
Public transport options to trailheads in this area are generally limited. Driving is the most common way to reach Black Cap.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking Black Cap is generally free. It's part of a preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy and local town lands, typically open to the public without an entrance fee.
Black Cap is an outdoor hiking area and is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no set operating hours.
Typically, there is no parking fee at the Hurricane Road trailhead for Black Cap. However, it's always good to check local signage for any updates.
Winter hiking is possible, but trails can be icy and snow-covered. Proper winter gear, including microspikes or snowshoes, is highly recommended.
No specific permits are usually required for day hiking on Black Cap. However, always check with local authorities or The Nature Conservancy for any specific regulations.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The standard loop trail is about 2.3 miles round-trip and typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
Black Cap is considered a moderate hike. It has some steep sections and a rocky summit, but it's manageable for most hikers.
Yes, the summit offers excellent panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains, making it a very rewarding hike.
The trail is generally suitable for children aged 6-7 and older. The rocky summit might require extra caution with very young children.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, comfortable clothing, and layers as the weather can change. Bring water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides the most spectacular panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. Look for interesting rock formations on the summit too.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photos, but ensure you have a headlamp and are comfortable hiking in low light conditions.
While not guaranteed, you might spot common forest birds and small mammals. Birdwatchers might enjoy the Blackcap bird species, though this is a different context.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography might require permits, so check with the managing authorities if applicable.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the summit is rocky, which might require extra supervision for the youngest hikers, the payoff of the panoramic views is immense. It's a great way to introduce children to hiking and the beauty of the White Mountains. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions if it has rained recently.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Nearby Areas
The stunning summit views offer a significant reward for a relatively modest effort, providing a memorable experience without consuming an entire day. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. The well-defined trails ensure you can navigate efficiently, allowing you to maximize your time exploring the area or moving on to other attractions. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Black Cap: Trails and Conditions
Recent reviews indicate that the trails can become quite wet and muddy after rainfall, especially during months like July. The rocky summit itself, while offering incredible views, can present a bit of a scramble and may be tricky for very young children. Trail markings are generally good, making navigation straightforward for most visitors.
For those seeking a slightly different experience, an alternate path is mentioned, which is described as an easier but longer option. Regardless of the chosen route, the effort is consistently described as 'well worth the time' due to the exceptional views awaiting at the top.
The Summit Experience and Views
Reviewers often highlight the 'beautiful' and 'excellent' views, emphasizing that they are even better when you reach the very top. The rocky terrain at the summit adds to the unique character of the experience, offering a sense of accomplishment and a fantastic backdrop for photos. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the natural beauty of the Conway, New Hampshire area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit