Summary

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.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

We are meeting at the Carriage Road that provides access to all trails on the west side of the Belknap range. Drive up I-93 North, take Exit 20 towards Laconia on Route 3 North; and then take a right to the Route 3 North Bypass. Take NH 11A East Exit. At Gilford Village leave NH 11A and take a right on Belknap Mountain Road south, bearing left at 0.8 mile and right at 1.4 mile. At 2.4 mile the Carriage Road forks left and leads in 0.2 mile a gate where limited parking is available. Do not block gate. Gunstock Mountain and Piper trails begin a short distance above the gate. Look for a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.