Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Major, Belknap Ridge, Marsh Crossing, Dave Roberts' Quarry, North Straightback Link, Brook

Trail Conditions

Notes

A 8.05 mile loop with 2385 ft of vertical. The first slabs going up Mt Major were dry, the upper slabs were damp in places. The trails were all dry. Some intersections did not have signs, but did have colored blazes that corresponded to the Belknap Range hiking map. Once past Mt Major we only saw a few people. Those these may be small mountains the trails were challenging with several steep pitches. Most views were on Mt Major.

Parking

Large lot on Route 11 north of Alton Bay

Water Crossings

No problems, all rock hopable.

Wildlife

Black flies, we wore head nets. We also found 5 ticks on us.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Rowe Trail, Ridge Trail, Brook Trail, Saddle Trail, Blue Trail (Belknap Mtn.), White Trail (Belknap Mtn.), Old Piper Trail, Piper-Whiteface Link, Whiteface Mountain Trail, Vista Trail, Piper-Round Pond Link, Klem-Mack Loop, Mack Ridge Trail, Yellow Trail (Mt. Shannon Loop), Red Trail (to Goat Pasture Hill and Mt. Anna), Belknap Range Trail (to Mt. Major), Boulder Loop Trail, Mt. Major Trail, North Straightback Link, Dave Roberts' Quarry Trail, Boulder Trail, East Gilford Trail, Round Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a 38.8 mile (theoretically; this mileage estimate felt conservative) tour of the Belknap 12, plus a few peaks off the beaten path, with 10,750' elevation gain. The beautiful views from Mt. Major and Gunstock Mtn. are well-known, but the Vista Trail (particularly the open ledges south of Piper Mtn's summit) and Mt. Shannon were scenic highlights- definitely worth visiting. Trail conditions were generally excellent, with less mud than anticipated after heavy rain 2 days prior. Almost all of the rock ledges and slabs were dry, which was a good thing, because a few sections (the Quarry Trail, Boulder Trail and Boulder Loop Trail, the steep descent from the Mack Ridge Trail) might have been hazardous with wet rocks. Aside from the expected crowds near Mt. Major, and a few other hikers on the Belknap Range Trail, there were miles of solitude on my chosen route. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Ample parking at Gilford Elementary School.

Water Crossings

Numerous brook crossings at lower elevations (and when inadvertently taking the Benjamin Weeks Trail on the way down), but all were straightforward rock hops.

Wildlife

Biting flies were out in force once the temperature warmed up (mid-morning)- not a problem when moving, but all over you if you made the mistake of stopping. Also found a hitchhiking dog tick at the end of the day.

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Trails Used

Brook and Main Trail Loop

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Boulder Loop, Belknap Range Tr, Quarry Spur, N. Straightback Link, Dave Roberts Quarry,,Belknap Range Tr (Red and Blue), Brook

Trail Conditions

Notes

Epic training day on such a lovely mostly gentle trail. First time doing this 9-peak circuit. A great way to get the legs in shape for bigger and better peaks.

Parking

Got the next to last space at Mt. Major lot at 10:15 am.

Water Crossings

Brook’s tiny brooks were fine

Wildlife

Not yet

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Belknap Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Perfect day for this annual hike with Chris and Renee. Cool temps all day with welcome sunshine in the open woods. There were just traces of avoidable ice and minimal mud. Wildflowers were beginning to flower and we saw sessile bellwort (wild oats), round-leaved yellow violets, budding red trillium and beautiful sprays of pink and white mayflowers. And a new grandchild joined the world while we were out there. Can't wait to hold you, Claire Maureen Moore!

Parking

Gunstock and Mt. Major lots had many open spaces at 8:00am and 4:00pm

Water Crossings

No significant crossings. Streams were lovely.

Wildlife

Not yet.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Belknap Range Double Traverse

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Last minute attempt decided night before. Chilly weather at start. Carried 1.5L water, finished with 5-6 miles remaining. Consumed 4 gels and expired poptart. Stomach issues in final half. Most vertical in single effort. Beat women's supported FKT by over 2 hours, within 1 hour of men's time.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Major main trail, Straightback spur, Brook trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice snow and ice free early season hike First visit to straightback, nice tag on to this hike with limited views. Enjoyed meeting a young man who was very knowledgeable about the area with some great tips on hikes beyond Major in the Belknaps.

Parking

big lot only a few cars today

Water Crossings

a couple of easy step throughs on the way down Brook trail

Wildlife

a few in the air, swallowed my first of the year! Not an issue yet

Trails Used

Mt. Major Trail, Boulder Loop Trail, Brook Trail, unmarked trails

Trail Conditions

Notes

did Mt. Major twice today so I saw most of the trails. Trails are in good conditions. Boulder trail is dry, first half of Mt. Major trail is dry (I cannot speak to the second half), even the typically wet section of Brook trail really isn't too bad. Was unable to find any lingering snow nor ice.

Water Crossings

most of the seasonal crossing as flowing but are an easy hop across

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Belknap Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great day on the trail. Mostly dry conditions and the remaining snow and ice were easily navigated. Quite windy so it was nice to be in the woods for the most part. We sat on the rocks by Round Pond for lunch. It was protected from the wind and just lovely. This is such a wonderful spring hike!

Water Crossings

Easy to rock hop

Wildlife

Still hibernating.

Notes

A 23-year-old hiker slipped on ice shortly after departing the summit and sustained a debilitating shoulder injury. He was unable to walk unassisted and was transported down the trail by UTV, then to hospital by ambulance with assistance from Fish and Game, Gilford and Alton Fire Departments, and Lakes Region Search and Rescue.