GUNSTOCK- BELKNAP- PIPER LOOP

We did a loop hike to Gunstock Mountain [2,245 feet] and Belknap Mountain [2,282 feet] starting from the Carriage Road gate on this glorious sunny and spring like day! Temperatures were in the mid 40’s and breezy on the summits. It was 4.2 miles round trip with 1,531 feet elevation gain. Today was a great day to enjoy the famous watery views from these summits!   

We pulled in in front of the Carriage Road Gate around 10:30AM and parked alongside the road. There were about eight vehicles when we arrived. Snow was very soft and we wore snowshoes from start to finish. The trail conditions were choppy, sloppy, with post holes. Saw a few people barebooting and it just destroyed any type of packing down that we did. If you go on any of these trails for the next few weeks, please wear snowshoes!

We prefer to begin our hike in a clockwise direction, bearing left off the forest road and heading uphill towards Gunstock Mountain. Tackling the first and steepest twelve hundred feet of elevation first is a big advantage, though thankfully even the steepest of trails on this route isn't really much of a thigh-burner. However, because we were sinking with our snowshoes in the soft snow it made it feel like we were breaking the trail. The trail was heavily wooded and we encountered about five hikers on our ascent. Before reaching Gunstock Mountain summit we enjoyed the westerly views from an outlook along the way.

When we reached the Gunstock Mountain summit, we found ourselves on top of a busy ski area with lifts operating, skiers with big smiles on their faces and the Panorama Pub up top full of people! Spring skiing is the best!!! With snowshoes on our feet, some skiers asked us how the hike was up top. We enjoyed the spectacular views from up here! Lake Winnipesauke is the main attraction however far back we could see the snowcapped and blinding white Presidential range! At the top of the mountain the Ski Patrol took their chairs from inside their hut and placed them outside in the sun. It was so inviting that after we checked the views, we parked ourselves in these chairs for lunch. As we enjoyed our lunch, we enjoyed seeing the skiers getting off the lifts, taking pictures of the views and going down the various routes from the summit. While sitting in these chairs, the Ski Patrol said we fit the part so well that we were offered jobs! Too funny!!!  

It was hard to leave our comfy chairs behind but we continued on our way to Belknap Mountain. We only saw about three hikers having lunch when we first left the Gunstock Summit…after that we did not see any more hikers the entire day. Belknap Mountain has a fire tower which we climbed for expansive, 360-degree views!  Not only could we see Mt. Washington, but also the Franconia Range, Mt. Moosilauke, Mt. Cardigan and peaks in southern New Hampshire.  

We found ourselves now breaking trail in two feet of soft snow after leaving Belknap Mountain! The trail was a bit difficult to follow on the descent but we figured it out. We found ourselves now breaking trail in two feet of soft snow after leaving Belknap Mountain! Our pace for the entire day was slower than we expected between sinking in soft snow with our snowshoes and breaking trail so by the time we reached the Piper Mountain trail junction, we agreed we would save the peak for another day.

This was one of the best days ever for a hike here – sunny and springlike, bluebird sky, epic views, excited skiers, friendly Ski Patrol folks and fun spring hiking! We had a good time with the guys who joined us today. It was the perfect mix of skill set and fun & outgoing personalities! The Belknaps are well worth many more visits. You don’t have to hike up a 4,000 footer to have a great time!!!

Join us for a late winter hike traverse of 3 peaks in the Belknap Range! It will be an easy pace covering 4-1/2 miles with 1700 feet of gain. We'll cross over Gunstock (2250'), Belknap (2382') and Piper (2044') Mountains and enjoy some great views over the Lakes Region of NH.

A fire tower on Belknap and cleared summit of Gunstock, as well as numerous scattered ledges, provide fine views of Lake Winnipesauke, the Ossipee and Sandwich ranges, and Mt. Washington! This is a loop hike going up Gunstock Mountain Trail, taking various trails on the ridge with descent by Piper Mountain Trail.  

Grades are steady and occasionally steep! Microspikes should be sufficient but if there was a recent snowstorm, then we'll need snowshoes. This MODERATE hike should take about 4 hours round trip so we’ll start at 10:30AM. We’ll have lunch on top of Gunstock Mountain Ski Area and we can even buy a beer inside the Panorama Pub. 

What to wear/bring:  Microspikes are required but we may need snowshoes if there has been a recent snowstorm. We may not need snowshoes at the start so you should be prepared to strap your snowshoes onto your pack using bungy cords. Wear warm clothing suitable for the summit(s)...no cotton or blue jeans.  You should also have insulated winter boots suitable for the season.  Bring water, lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a winter day hike.