Mt Major to Belnap Mountain

What: Mt. Major (Alton Bay) to Mt. Belknap When: Nov. 7th Where: Trailhead for Mt. Belknap, Carriage Road in Gilford to spot cars Distance: 14 miles Elevation gain: 1100 We'll visit nine peaks in the Belknap Range, one of which (Straightback Mt) . The Belknap Range is an L-shaped string of small peaks that rise 1,800 feet to the west from the southwestern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Belknap Mountain contains many open ledges which offer views, and a fire tower on the summit features all-around views. At the eastern end of the range, Mt. Major, with its excellent 360-degree views, is one of the most climbed mountains in southern New Hampshire. Then-landowner George Phippen built a stone hut for hikers on the summit in 1925, but the roof blew off the next winter. A stronger roof lasted two winters before blowing off in the spring of 1928. The stone walls still provide shelter from the wind. We'll spot cars at the parking lot at the upper end of Carriage Road in Gilford. We'll hike from Major to Belknap (14 miles) and drive back to Major. Directions: From I-93 Exit 20 at Tilton, go N on US-3 approximately 6.4 miles to the ramp for the Laconia Bypass (on which US-3 continues). About 3.1 miles up the bypass, turn R at the exit for NH-11A (Gilford Avenue). Follow NH-11A about 2.1 miles and turn R on Belknap Mountain Road (blinking light). Follow Belknap Mountain Road making sharp R at 1.3 miles and turning L on Carriage Road at 2.3 miles from NH-11A. Follow Carriage Road (rough pavement) past the last house to a gate at .3 miles, which is open approximately 9 am to 6 pm during warm-weather months. Continue up road which turns to gravel and becomes steep with switchbacks another 1.3 miles to parking area on L. Do not drive through second gate to fire lookout's garage where most trails start. As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com; the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.