DATE: Sep 25, 2021 to Sep 25, 2021
Full Day Hike THE BELKNAP MTN. RANGE FALL FOLIAGE TRAVERSE

Meeting Time: 7:30 AM

Event Coordinator: Gandalf
Laconia, NH

Max # People: 10

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

SUMMARY:

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!

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

We'll meet at the Mt. Major trailhead first to drop off some cars and then make our way to the start. 

From the junction of NH 11 and NH 11B in Gilford, drive NH 11 southeast along Lake Winnipesauke for 9 miles. A highway sign identifies the parking area for the Mount Major Trail. If you are coming northwest from Alton Bay on NH 11, you'll reach the parking area in 4.2 miles.

We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.