THE BELKNAP MTN. RANGE FALL FOLIAGE TRAVERSE

The Belknaps are a small mountain range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. We completed the Belknap Range Traverse which would take us from the parking lot at Gunstock Mountain over Mt. Rowe (1680’), Gunstock Mtn. (2245’), Belknap Mtn. (2382’), Mt. Klem (2001’), Mt. Mack (1945’), Mt. Anna (1670’), Straightback Mtn. (1890’), and Mt. Major (1786’). That is a trip of 12.6 miles with 3,850' of elevation gain!

Stunningly beautiful day today! Mostly sunny with a high in the low 70’s and calm wind. Breathtaking views to say the least! Foliage still mostly green, but a few trees showing fall foliage colors.

We spotted a car at the Mt. Major trailhead. Our plan was to start at Gunstock Mountain's main parking lot to begin our adventure with the Ridge Trail. However there was not any trailhead signage so we ended up travelling further up on 11A and found another street that ended at a closed gate. We parked here and ascended up the Alpine Slide Trail to Mt. Rowe that was essentially a ski trail.

We decided to start at Gunstock and finish at Major as opposed to the reverse only because it seemed that we would accomplish some of the more difficult climbs earlier in the day.  

The Belknap Range trail crosses an incredible diversity of terrain, offering a day of wonders: ledges and a surprising number of bald open summits making for outstanding views; open forest, mossy woods, fall foliage, critters and more! We saw very few people all day, at least until we reached Mt. Major which is an extremely popular summit. We found all the trails to be well maintained and signed but descending down the Mt. Major Trail was anti-climactic with the sorry state of the trail: massive erosion, exposed roots, slippery ledges.  

Viewing the Belknap Range trek as a walk on ridge underestimates the challenge of climbing up and over eight mountains in 12.2 miles, even if Gunstock, the tallest of them, measures only 2,445 feet. But the effort involved in tromping up, down, and over eight low mountains was definitely worth the sweat and sore feet. Thanks to everyone for joining us on this challenging hike!  

Join us for a traverse of the beautiful Belknap Range in at the start of the foliage season by spotting cars!  A fire tower on Belknap, the cleared summit of Gunstock, numerous scattered ledges on all the peaks, and the grand finale finish atop Mt. Major provides fine views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Ossipee and Sandwich ranges, and Mt. Washington. The jewel of this range is Round Pond, a beautiful and secluded mountain pond lying at the foot of Mt. Klem.

Following the classical Belknap Range Trail route the hiker will traverse the summits of Mt. Rowe (1680’), Gunstock Mtn. (2245’), Belknap Mtn. (2382’), Mt. Klem (2001’), Mt. Mack (1945’), Mt. Anna (1670’), Straightback Mtn. (1890’), and Mt. Major (1786’). These are eight out of the twelve Belknap Range Peaks required to earn the Belknap County Sportsmen’s Association’s Belknap Range Hiker patch. The total mileage following the classical route is 12.2 mi with 3,850 feet gain.  We will take breaks along the way, and take time to enjoy the views.

Don't forget to bring wind/rain shell, insulating layers, water, lunch, snacks, etc. along with whatever you typically have for a hiking excursion. We’ll have lunch around on one of the summits. 

Social Mixer: Following the hike, everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the deck and enjoy a BBQ! It's BYOB and it costs $10 per person. We have an awesome view from our deck! 

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night for with proof of vaccination. Its $25 dollars Friday night and $35 Saturday that includes BBQ. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Limited to four so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!