The Mount Major Trail at Mount Major State Park in Alton, New Hampshire is a difficult and popular 4-mile loop hike to the summit of Mount Major and views of Lake Winnipesaukee.This recording heads up along the Boulder Trail (orange blazes), down Mount Major and Boulder Loop Trail (Orange to Blue), Mount Major via Brook and Main Trail Loop. 2010 (18) Great day beautiful weather .Get in early or you will walk a mile to hike your Mt. Then views open sporadically to the north, west and south; gradually being more open. Main trail was exciting especially towards the end! Areas of fog after 9pm. From this junction continue west by northwesterly on the flat Brook Trail. This is a popular trail for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. if you find our content helpful or useful no bugs out, a little muddy and cloudy but so beautiful. 2021 (52) Some flies. February (103) Expect weekends and holidays to have very busy trails. After a final steep pitch, you will reach semi-open ledges (where the trail curves to the left) with views and much easier inclines. To suggest edits for this trail, complete a _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow the trail which will split and rejoin and after 0.7 mile, you will reach a junction where Mount Major Trail (blazed in blue) goes sharply left while Brook Trail (blazed in yellow) continues straight ahead. Moderate is based on length, elevation and experience of a hiker. Read our. As you walk through the deciduous-dominated forest you may notice several large boulders alongside the trail known as glacial erratics. Major is a popular hike that rewards with a phenomenal view of New Hampshire's largest lake. Trail and Winter Shortcut Trail, Public Lands and Conservation Easements in the Belknaps. Major Trail and Belknap Range Trail) turns left (elev. 11 in Alton, NH, 5.4 miles north of Rt. Trail conditions were great Fri of Memorial Day Weekend. From I-95 in Portsmouth, follow the Spaulding Turnpike/ NH Route 16 N about 21 miles to exit 15, then follow NH Route 11 about 20.6 miles W to parking lot on L. Far End: Summit of Mount Major, elevation 1786 feet. Mount Major (NH) October 25, 2015 Introductory Guide to Visiting the White Mountains Mount Major is a short, extremely popular hike in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. . Route Summary This is a point-to-point hike along Belknap Ridge, hitting eight summits, from Gunstock Mountain to Mount Major with Belknap Mountain being the highest elevation reached on this trek. Elevation Gain: 1150 feet. We went up the orange line & began going down the yellow line & ended up finishing with blue. Map Widget, Facebook Bailed at east Gilford instead of walking up towards belknap/gunstoke! TrailsNH provides enhanced features when you login. Satellite Trail Map Major, NH via Mt. Ascent: based on geographic information from OpenStreetMap. (See map below). Klem, Rand Mountain, West Quarry Mountain, NH via Reed Road Trail, Dave Roberts Quarry Trail, Blue Trail, Red Trail, Mt. Your email address will not be published. We hiked in the order of the summits above starting from Alton mountain road. Mack and Round Pond, Round Pond Trail & East Gilford Fire Road, Gunstock Mtn. For a limited time, get up to 80% off on select outlet outerwear, climbing gear, ski equipment, lifestyle apparel, and more. This is a very popular trail as I saw quite a few people, dogs and families on the trail. on this trail. After enjoying the views, retrace your steps following the same route. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Our corgis had no trouble scrambling up the rocks! Very crowded by 9am on the weekend, so plan ahead! This is the Jesus Valley Beaver Pond Trail partially maintained by the Mt. Along the way I stopped to take note of the wide variety of vegetation beside the trail. Lots of tone salamanders. Links. Hike up Mount Major, New Hampshire: Lake and White Mountain Views Often the only parking option is along the road. You work for the beautiful views up top, but it's not soul crushing. Advertising Major Trail, well-blazed in blue, begins at a parking area on NH11, 4.2 mi. (2.6 km. NH AMC Huts No bugs today and was pretty dry! The route begins easy but soon you're stepping over and around small rocks on the trail everywhere. A short distance after the left turn a red blaze is located about where the Rock Cave trail starts on left. Show your appreciation for HikeNewEngland by using these practical and fun reusable shopping bags. About the Hike: Mt. The first review that popped up stated this was an easy hike for anyone ages 5-65. Wasnt particularly buggy Was well-kept and was decently challenging but never uncomfortable overall great trail but not perfect. Belknap Range Hike 1: Mount Major Sunset Hike - Trekking Sketches This is also the eastern terminus of the Belknap Range Trail. All trails are great during winter, however the main Mount Major Trail (blue) has several steep sections that make it far more difficult in winter. Appalachian Mountain Club Books. The frozen broads of Lake Winnipesaukee are You will see. The views of Lake Winnipesaukee are stunningly beautiful once get above the tree line. Steep in some places. You can find additional information about Mt Major from these resources. At the top of the pitch it turns right, then left and runs at easy grades through pine and oak woods, then ascends gradually over open ledges, with increasing views east and south, to the summit. There are several trails to consider with the orange a little longer but not as steep or rocky. Mount Major is accessible year round, and the parking lot is plowed during winter months. Lots of diff terrain. This hike leads up to Mt. ), 1,150 ft., 1 hr. Latest. Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Yahoo, MySpace, and more. Once you got closer to the top it was a bit more of a challenge and was climbing up rocks the rest of the way. Read more about Mr. Phippen's Hut. Moderate is based on length, elevation and experience of a hiker. This is a great spot for a break and a picnic before heading back down. Typical Hiking Times and Outing Durations. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Major, NH via Boulder Trail, Jesus Valley-Beaver Pond Trail, Brook Trail, Bay View Trailby: KenM / newenglandtrailconditions, Apr 28 | Mt. Prominence: 196'. Hill Shaded Trail Map & Satellite Trail Map © copyright TrailsNH, Mapbox, OpenStreetMap, TrailsNH is designed, built, and maintained by, How To Read The TrailsNH Weather Forecast, Mt. View the Full Album of Photos From This Hike The summit has superb views of Lake WInnipesaukee. We went on a whim and were not prepared. Very rocky, hard for little paws. These boulders were deposited during the last ice age by glaciers about 10,000 years ago. Most times rugged hiker boots and pull on spikes are perfect for this mountain. The Boulder Loop Trail is another popular trail up Mount Major that is just another quick ascent option. Distance from parking lot: 1.8 miles. More climbing than expected. Directions To Mount Major: Great trail. There are 3 trails now and all trails did not recognize the boulder loop trail? Round pond was beautiful and the view just next to the summit of Klem. welcome to the summit of Mount Major . I would suggest a trash can, because some people just throw their trash down by the porta-johns. 2011 (41) One day a friend of mine thought he saw a guy come out of the woods with brush clippers and just as quickly go back; an investigation showed a freshly-cut trail heading down. Driving Directions: Trailhead and parking area are located on Rt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mt. No bugs! The parking lot was completely full, with overflow parking along the side of Route 11. 2013 (35) The summit can be found roughly 1.6-miles from the parking lot after heading up the Boulder Trail (orange). See How To Read The TrailsNH Weather Forecast Ascent: Parking was quite crowded today, but overall amazing views! We took the brook tail/yellow trail down which looked to be an easier hike as not as rocky. On the return, take the trail heading W toward Mt. Mt. Major - Winnipesaukee Forum Mount Major, New Hampshire - MAKE A DAY OF IT NEW ENGLAND from the summit turn right onto the yellow-blazed Brook Trail (sign). We did a quick google search for Mount Major on Saturday morning prior to making the trip. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We hiked up Mt. Hike New England - Belknap Ridge from Gunstock Mtn. to Mt. Major After 0.7 mile on Mount Major Trail, you will reach the parking lot that you started from. September (31) A traction system for our boots to assist on the ice-covered slopes would have been a big help. BTW, I am 80 years old with Stage IV cancer. No bugs. The Boulder Trail (orange) was fairly steep going up, with some rocky sections that were easy to scramble through. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Once I reached the summit about 1.5 miles into the hike, I was rewarded with amazing views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the southern rim of the White Mountains. There are a number of rock slabs to ascend, and because this trail is on the N side and gets a lot of foot traffic, it may be the iciest route up in cold weather. All Rights Reserved. Major Parking Lot andmy wonderful jaunt up Mt. At about 0.5 mi. Bugs only strike when you stop moving, but not too bad. From here on the hiking was quite easy. 2010. What is the best trail for dogs? 2014 (36) Quick morning run up Brook and down main. The road becomes a footpath, often with several branches which usually rejoin. We are both in our 60s. I am planning to bring my dad. Driving Directions More Mt. This is also the eastern terminus of the Belknap Range Trail. Stunning views of Lake Winnipesauke from the top. Major, NH via Boulder Loop Trail, Belknap Range Trail, Brook Trail, Mt. The hike ascends via Boulder Loop Trail and descends on Major-Straightback Link, Brook Trail, and Mount Major Trail. These folks ain't kidding about making sure you apply bug spray. Blue skies with temperature at trail head of 60F at 7 AM. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Maps and porta potties can be foundin the parking lot and the trailheads are located at the far end. Get Driving Directions, Live Traffic & Road Conditions - MapQuest northwest to the junction of the Brook Trail (blazed yellow). Haha. Hover over the button below to share. Street Map About the Hike: Mt. Quarry trail and NS link not well marked, very quiet though! Dry and beautiful! I understand why they say the main trail is family friendly. Brought 2 kids with us the little one needed a lot of help, but my 7 year old navigated with no problem. It takes you out of the way to Beaver Pond, and up Straightback mountain which has great views of Alton Bay and south of the Belknap Range. Catskill 3500 At the top of Mt. Major, NH via Mt. Main Trail 5 2.7 mi, Out & back, Medium, Gain 1,090ft | This is the most direct route up to Mount Major's peak. Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Yahoo, MySpace, and more. One of the most popular hikes in the Lakes Region, and perhaps all of NH. Parking was quite crowded today, but overall amazing views! Mount Major State Forest NH - TrailsNH Up A Mountain, Down A Beer!Need a new sticker for your water bottle? Major Trail was a bit steeper and worked its way up some open, rocky ledges at times. I hiked today and it was nice except there were so many dogs and one of them pooped right on the trail. Mount Major (Alton Bay) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) - Tripadvisor It is a little longer but not as steep. Mount Major near West Alton is a rocky smooth summit with extensive views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range, and even the White Mountains in clear weather. Distance : (from parking area to summit) aprrox 2.0 miles. A hike to the top of Mount Major is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Length: 2.6 miles via Straightback Mountain. Mt Major Trail Map | Trailforks no bugs out, a little muddy and cloudy but so beautiful. Bugs were not annoying but they left their marks. Not muddy at all except the brook trail which can be easily avoided. The parking lot is usually crowded with plenty of cars parked on the highway. I hiked up to Mount Major today with my wife. Round pond was beautiful and the view just next to the summit of Klem. Took us 3 hours about. Major, NH via Boulder Loop Trail, Belknap Range Trail, Brook Trail, Mt. May (105) Mt. Slick. Trail Description: Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide. The trail climbs over a small knoll then steeply up the rocks to the summit. Anna, Mt. We hiked down on the orange trail, which seemed much easier. Major (1,785 feet) provides spectacularpanoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee. They are also great as a tote for your hiking boots and other gear. Absolutely stunning views at the top can't be beat south of Winnipesaukee. The summit offers breathtaking views of the lake, islands and the white mountains. Chance of precipitation is 80%. We did not make it to the top as we ran out of daylight. Amazing view at the summit. Hover over the button below to share. Major is generally quite windy, so I found refuge in the remains of the stone structure known as Mr. Phippens Hut which was built in 1925. Trip report archives compiled by month for posts tagged with Mount Major NH (or within 1.5 miles of it). We started with the blue trail, which is steep and full of small boulders and then switched to the orange trail, which was easier. Rocks, stepping up tree trunks, bouldering and dirt. consider 90% of travelers recommend this experience. Beautiful views and some scrambling over exposed rock towards the top. Dirtbag dreams do come true! Mount Major NH - TrailsNH views open up. 2018 (46) The hike can be accomplished in a few hours and is rated 'moderate', with a few different routes to the top - the blue trail being the most direct and aggressive. Note: There are Porta-Potties at the start of the trail, in the parking lot. Beautiful views and some scrambling over exposed rock towards the top. Trailhead parking is located just off of Route 11 in the Mt. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee to the east and north. Remember on the way down to bear right at the two junctions reached in the first 0.5 mile; and then go straight downhill when you reach the junction with Mount Major Trail. Fun hike on a sunny day. At 1.5 mi. There's a good bit of scrambling up top so I recommend grippy shoes- we were happy with our trail runners, so I don't feel like hiking boots are imperative unless you really need the ankle support. from many hiking websites across the Internet. Directions Print/PDF map Length 7.3 miElevation gain 1,587 ftRoute type Loop Discover this 7.3-mile loop trail near Alton Bay, New Hampshire. reach the first of two brook crossings. Join/Login. The Boulder Loop Trail (blazed orange) provides an attractive route up the south side of the Mt.Major from the trailhead parking area on NH 11. Please make sure you have plenty of water/drink. The views are at the top are exceptional. Beautiful breath-taking views are yours alone when you hike in winter on Mount Major! Description Dry trail, a little buggy, very well marked. I simply ask that Read More, The Mount Major Trail at Mount Major State Park in Alton, New Hampshire is a difficult and popular 4-mile loop hike to the summit of Mount Major and views of Lake Winnipesaukee.This recording heads up along the Boulder Trail (orange blazes), down the Brook Trail (yellow blazes), and finally down the Main Trail (blue blazes) before reaching the parking lot.I went on May 4th and the Boulder Trail (orange) was mostly dry, but the Brook Trail (yellow) was very wet and muddy. Continue on Beaver Pond Trail until you reach the Jesus Valley Road Trail. Major summit (total distance 1.5 mi.). Some short parts of the trail, near the top, are fairly steep and the granite is somewhat slippery, but it is certainly doable. Everything else is smooth sailing. There are views from each of the summits. at 0.4 mi., where the Jesus Valley-Beaver PondTrail diverges left. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about. Itsplendor calls to beginners as well as experienced hikers. After a total of 1.6 miles on Boulder Loop Trail, you will reach the summit of Mount Major. Our entire family (from 61 years old grandfather to 5 year old kid) hiked Mount Major twice earlier this year. And the trails are well marked. Brook Trail: Follow the Main Trail for .8 miles, then go straight following yellow blazes where the Main Trail turns L. After a dip, the trail follows an old road up along the brook in wet weather some of the trail seems like a brook, and crossings may be difficult at times of high water. MyHikes is an indie web platform aimed to make exploring public trails easier for everyone. By using our content to find trails / hikes / treks, you agree to hike at your own risk Belknap, then go R at the col. Do not take the trail to Straightback Mtn., which does not lead straight back to the parking lot. Mt Major mountain bike trail map. From here on the grade alternates between easy and moderate. Wasnt particularly buggy Was well-kept and was decently challenging but never uncomfortable overall great trail but not perfect, It was rainy and cloudy so no views, not too muddy and not too many bugs. 2020 (39) So many people!! I arrived at approx 4am and took about 45 minutes to reach the top just in time to catch the first light of the sun around 5:11am. The Blue trail is the more popular one and has steep, rocky sections. Belknap Mountain NH (4 mi) Caverly Mountain NH (7.1 mi) Copple Crown Mountain NH (8.8 mi) East Quarry Mountain NH (0.9 mi) Gunstock Mountain NH (4.5 mi) Hussey Mountain NH (15.4 mi) turns right up a bank past a boulder where a woods road continues ahead. Instagram While the trailis somewhat eroded at times, it is generally easy going and not very steep for the first .7 miles. Not muddy at all except the brook trail which can be easily avoided. I first hiked this trail when I was about 8 years old, 56 years later I am still hiking it today. The information on this site may freely be used for personal purposes but may not be replicated on other websites or publications. After a short period of time I reached the trailhead at the Mt. and ascends alongside it, with loose footing on some severely eroded sections (some of which have been bypassed).