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.

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

East Gilford Trail, Round Pond Trail, Piper-Round Pond Link, Mt. Klem-Mt. Mack Loop, Mt. Klem Summit Spur, Dave Roberts Quarry Trail, Round Pond-Mt. Mack Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a very enjoyable hike. The weather, which was cloudy and drizzly in the morning, became sunny and a very pleasant temperature during the day. Not a whole lot to report - no snow or ice sighted anywhere, and there were a few muddy areas but the mud was avoidable. A few rock ledges were wet and slippery, particularly on DRQT between Klem and Rand. The best part of the hike is that Beverly finished her Belknap 12 on Mack today! Congratulations!

Parking

Three vehicles in the five-car lot on Wood Rd. when we arrived around 9:45 - we were the fourth. When we got back, our car was the only one left in the lot, but there did appear to be a hiker who parked at the corner of Bickford Rd and Route 11A. There seemed to be space for parking along Route 11A there, and we didn't see any No Parking signs there, however it would add a few tenths in each direction to the hike. A better option would be to park at the Gunstock ski area if visiting Belknap Mountain or Round Pond, and Reed Road Trail if visiting Klem, Rand, and Mack.

Water Crossings

Everything was either extremely minor or had a bridge.

Wildlife

We did see a few. They're starting to wake up.