Red Gate Trail — Attraction in Manchester

Parking lot is small so get there early. Parking lot is in a bit of an odd location, located behind a prep school past a few houses. There is a red gate where the trail starts. Beyond the red gate there is a water tank and a trail map and a sign. There is supposedly an overflow parking lot.

We followed the Blue summit/Red Gate trail until they both split and we followed the Blue summit trail. The trail starts off fairly easy until you pass the intersection to Maidenhair Trail. Beyond this point the elevation starts picking up. It is a big push to the top. You know you’re almost at the top when you reach an electrical building-like thing. Turn right from here and you’ll see a sign to the Lookout Rock. If you go in the opposite direction, you will reach the summit and the Visitors Center.

The views from the summit are amazing, the visitors center has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small chapel. The Lookout Rock has nice views too but the summit definitely has...

Loved this trail. Very easy to follow all the way to the top and back down. This time of the year it can be icy on the trail. So use caution and ice grips for your boots, at least bring them along in case you need them. I fell a few times on the way down hurting my arm and wished I had not left my ice grips in my vehicle. Meet another hiker on the way down and we walked together back to the parking lot. Very much appreciated and hope to cross paths again in the future. Other than that, very nice...

The Red Gate Trail is also the start of the Blue Summit trail. We hiked the blue summit trail in early May all the way to the top of Mt Equinox. There was quite a bit of ice still towards the top, so I recommend good hiking gear if you plan to go all the way. Take plenty of water and snacks! The Blue Summit trail is not an easy hike.. it’s 2600ft of climb up a steep, rocky trail. The Red Gate trail is no where near as challenging. Dogs are welcome...