Hiking Black Cap Trail Head - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

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

Western Mountains • Maine

4.8 Appreciated by 8 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
152 ft
Duration
1h
Max altitude
762 ft

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!

Discover the trail

Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢

This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!

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 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
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)
Loading

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
Easy
152.00 m
762.00 m
1h
No
No
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.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Western Mountains
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near North Conway

0 trails to explore ~5 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026