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About
Conway, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Black Cap Trail
In my self designed knee rehab (kneehab?) program, based upon no expert knowledge, I decided to do the quick, easy hike up Black Cap from Hurricane Mountain Road.
I had previously done Great Hill with very little pain a few days earlier, so I felt rested and ready.
There were a few cars at the Hurricane Mountain Road parking area, however I likely met all of the owners descending within the first half mile.
The trailhead was somewhat difficult to find due to a bunch of blowdowns, however after looking around the back of the parking lot, I found a somewhat concealed "trail" sign and a corridor cut through some downed trees.
The trail was gentle and easy to follow until past the Cranmore Trail intersection. Shortly thereafter there was a fork in the trail - fortunately I saw a fading arrow on a rock pointing me to the left. From here, the trail steepens a bit (nothing more than moderate steepness), arriving at quasi-open ledges.
Though the top of Black Cap isn't completely bare, there are plenty of views from all over the exposed ledges. There are also two very short spur trails - one with a viewpoint to the east and another to the west.
I maintained a decent pace during the ascent and had no knee pain. The descent, however, was another story. After maybe 5 minutes, I felt pain starting to return in its normal place and by the end of the hike, my pronounced limp was back. Not a big fan of this knee injury stuff!
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Black Cap Trail trailhead
Looking east from the back of Black Cap into Maine
Back to Black Cap Profile
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