Elevation gain: 1755 feet
Trails used: Pudding Pond Trail, Middle Mountain Trail, Peaked Mountain - Middle Mountain Connector Trail.
Highlight(s): limited views from the summits of Middle Mountain and Peaked Mountain.
Looking for something to do for Saturday, I was too tired to do anything strenuous so I figured we could do north and then possibly do some shopping while we were there. North Conway fits that bill perfectly; a good mix of places to hike followed by retail therapy at the outlets. It was going to be sunny outside, with some heat and humidity mixed in for this hike, but still pleasant enough for a hike.
Middle Mountain and Peaked Mountain are located in North Conway, New Hampshire and in the Green Hills Preserve. Black Cap, which has the best views in the Green Hills preserve, and Cranmore Mountain are other peaks in the preserve. There are several view points from both Middle Mountain and Peaked Mountain, and several different trails can be taken to reach both summit areas.
Green Hills Preserve Map
Green Hills Preserve
Desi starting off on the gated Pudding Pond Trail off of Thompson Road. You reach the Middle Mountain Trail from the nearby parking area.
The Middle Mountain Trail cuts under the power line cut and heads into the woods.
The first part of the Middle Mountain Trail was mellow and easy to follow. We could see evidence of mountain bikers using the various trails.
At the first trail junction for the Middle Mountain Trail and Black Cap Connector Trail. We would stay straight (right) to head towards Middle Mountain.
It got steady and steep in several spots. Add the heat and humidity and it was tough hiking through this section of the Middle Mountain Trail.
At the junction for the Middle Mountain Trail and Peaked Mountain - Middle Mountain Connector Trail. We decided to do Middle Mountain first, and then Peaked Mountain if we had any energy left over.
The last little summit push up the ledges below Middle Mountain.
Desi on the summit of Middle Mountain (elevation: 1857 feet). There are some pitch pine groves on the summit area of Middle Mountain.
Looking up towards Black Cap, which is the highest peak in the Green Hills Preserve and has the best views of the entire preserve.
The views from the summit of Middle Mountain of South Moat, Middle Moat and North Moat Mountain which is a nice hike itself.
The views from the summit of Middle Mountain of Mount Chocorua and the Three Sisters, White Ledge, Mount Whiteface and Mount Passaconaway.
The views from the summit of Middle Mountain of White Horse Ledge and Cathedral Ledge, which are popular rock climbing areas. Mount Carrigain, Mount Nancy and Little Attitash dominate the views in the background.
Desi heading down off the summit area of Middle Mountain through a cool pine grove.
We headed back down to the Peaked Mountain-Middle Mountain Connector Trail and decided to head up to the summit of Peaked Mountain to check out the views.
Almost to the summit of Peaked Mountain, we had another nice hike through pines of various kinds with ledges to hike up.
The summit of Peaked Mountain (elevation: 1739 feet). There were two people up here sitting in the sun enjoying the breeze and views.
The view of Middle Mountain from the summit of Peaked Mountain. The views from this summit were similar to the views on Middle Mountain.
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