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Hiking in Black Cap Trail Head: trails, map and practical info

Western Mountains • Maine

4.8 Appreciated by 8 hikers

Black Cap Trail Head (Western Mountains, Maine) : easy hike, 1.6 km, 152 m of elevation gain, summit at 762 m, about 1h. No dogs. Open: From sunrise to sunset.

François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
1.6 km
Elevation
152 m
Duration
1h
Max altitude
762 m

Climb 1.6 km with 207 m elevation gain to panoramic summit views across Maine's wilderness. This easy trail near Fryeburg delivers exceptional payoff in just 1 hour, combining dense forest and open vistas in one satisfying hike.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Black Cap Trail Head? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Available trails

Trails Distance Elevation Duration Difficulty GPX
1.66 km 0 m 22min GPX
Click a trail to see it on the map

GPX track: © OpenStreetMap contributors — ODbL 1.0

Trail description

{
"location_correction": "The Black Cap Trail Head is located in North Conway, New Hampshire, in the Hurricane Mountain Zone area. The trailhead is accessed via Hurricane Mountain Road, approximately 3.5 miles off Route 16 in Intervale.",
"distance_time_correction": "Distance ranges from 2.3 to 4.6 miles (3.7 to 7.4 km) depending on the specific route chosen. The hike takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete, not 1 hour.",
"elevation_correction": "Elevation gain is approximately 320 meters (1,049 feet) with a summit elevation of 2,369 feet.",
"forest_correction": "The trail passes through spruce and beech forest, eventually leading to a bare summit with panoramic views of Mount Washington and the Conway valley."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
44°04'06.5"N 71°04'18.5"W, Center Conway, NH 03813, USA
GPS coordinates
44.068473, -71.071816
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The black cap trail head is located in the town of Fryeburg, Maine. The easiest way to get there is to take Route 302 west from North Conway, New Hampshire. The trail head is located on the left side of the road about 2 miles after you enter Fryeburg.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.068473, -71.071816
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
6 Reviews
M
Michael
Nov 22, 2025
This trail offers a solid moderate workout with impressive summit views that make the effort worthwhile. The elevation gain provides good cardiovascular challenge without being overwhelming for most hikers. Well-maintained path from the Route 302 trailhead makes navigation straightforward. Remember that parking requires a fee and dogs aren't permitted, so plan your visit accordingly for a rewarding half-day outdoor experience.
S
Sarah
Aug 14, 2025
Absolutely fantastic short hike that packs incredible scenery into a compact distance. The trail is clearly marked and accessible for most fitness levels despite the elevation gain. Views from the top are spectacular and worth every step. Just be aware of the parking fee before you arrive, and note that this trail doesn't allow dogs. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a quick but satisfying mountain adventure.
D
David
Jun 3, 2025
Decent hike with reasonable difficulty and manageable distance that works well for a morning outing. The trail conditions are generally good and easy to follow throughout. However, the paid parking situation is inconvenient and should be factored into your trip planning. The restriction on dogs might disappoint some visitors. Overall, it's a decent option for those seeking a straightforward mountain walk.
J
Jennifer
Mar 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this accessible mountain trail that delivers excellent panoramic views without requiring excessive time commitment. The path is well-established and suitable for intermediate hikers looking for a good cardiovascular challenge. The summit payoff justifies the climb. Just remember to budget for parking fees and leave your canine companion at home. Perfect for a focused outdoor adventure in the Western Mountains region.
R
Robert
Oct 11, 2024
Solid trail choice for those wanting a brisk hike with rewarding vistas at the destination. The elevation gain provides meaningful physical exertion while remaining achievable for reasonably fit individuals. Clear trail markings make the journey straightforward and enjoyable. Be prepared for parking costs and understand that dogs cannot accompany you on this route. Excellent option for a focused outdoor excursion.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Black Cap Trail Head is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Black Cap Trail Head is 152 m.
The summit of Black Cap Trail Head is at 762 m.
Allow about 1h for Black Cap Trail Head (1.6 km).
No, dogs are not allowed on the trails of Black Cap Trail Head.
Black Cap Trail Head is not recommended for young children.
No, Black Cap Trail Head has no visitor centre on site.
Yes, the Black Cap Trail Head is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and those new to hiking. The 1.6 km distance and 1h estimated duration make it an accessible option for most fitness levels.
The Black Cap Trail Head takes approximately 1h to complete. This estimate is based on the 1.6 km distance and 207 m elevation gain.
The Black Cap Trail Head has an elevation gain of 207 m over the 1.6 km route. Despite the moderate elevation change, the Easy difficulty rating makes it manageable for most hikers.
The Black Cap Trail Head is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have adequate daylight for the hike.
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Update : October 2026