To fully appreciate the beauty of this area, you need to see it from a birds eye view by climbing to the top of the nearby hills and mountains. Most peaks are under 3,000 feet and can be done easily in an afternoon, although the definition of easy is subject to opinion. The trails we’ll cover here are popular and well maintained.
Mt. Major
One of the most popular and fantastic views of the lake can be had from the rocky flat top of Mt. Major, which will give you an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet to its 1786′ summit. Most of the hike is pretty easy, as it follows old logging roads. Toward the end as you near the summit, it becomes steeper. The last stretch can be steep and potentially slippery when wet. The summit is wide, flat, and offers panoramic views of the entire Lakes Region. This climb is especially stunning during the fall foliage season. Total trail is about 3 miles in length and is located on Route 11 between Alton and Weirs Beach. More Information
Castle in the Clouds Trails
Try some or all of the 28 miles of hiking trails maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. Take a leisurely walk along cascading waterfalls, ending at the largest waterfall, Falls of Song. Or opt for a more experienced hike to take in amazing views of the Ossipee Mountains. With over 5,500 acres and trails of all variations, you can spend the day hiking with the entire family! Depending on the trail you choose and the season in which you hike, you may encounter spectacular waterfalls, incredible views from mountain summits and outlooks, signs of wildlife, historic sites, interesting geological features, and many other unique elements of this beautiful conservation area. Trails & More Information
Lockes Hill
A smaller and gentler version of Mt. Major, the Lockes Hill loop offers several places to stop and rest, picnic, or just relax and take in the scenery. If you’re in search of the rare and beautiful Lady Slipper flower, there is almost always one set slightly off the trail on the wooded backside of the loop. Lockes Hill can be easily found right off of Route 11 on the way to Alton Bay from Weirs Beach. This is an easy trail and one that is an excellent choice for a beginner hiker. More Information and check out this nice video.
Belknap Mountain
This trail runs about a mile and a half long and can take up to an hour and a half to complete. You’ll climb 740 feet to the summits peak elevation of nearly 2400 feet, you get to drive up most of it. It’s a climb of moderate difficulty, however it’s fully worth the effort, as the the view from the summit is stunning. You can find the trailhead off Belknap Mountain road from Gilford Village. If you climb in May, Early June, or September, and it’s clear, you’ll will be able to see brilliantly snow capped Mt. Washington way off in the distance. More Information
Gunstock Mountain
Gunstock offers several trails located in the Belknap Mountain range on which you can hike. As you enter gunstock, you can pick up a trail map at their camp store. They have recently added a new trail, which comes out to a overlook. Stay on that trail as it dips and then back up and eventually intersects with trails to the summits of Belknap and Gunstock mountain. A good trail for an intermediate hiker. You get more information from Gunstock by calling 603-293-4341.
Mounts Morgan and Percival
Located in Holderness, this will take you over two peaks in the Squam range, which of course offer views of New Hampshire’s most heavily protected body of water, Squam Lake. Coming in at five miles, this trail is best left to the experts or the difficult to tire. Over the course of about four or five hours, you’ll gain over 1,400 feet as you reach the summits, which stand at a maximum of 2,212 feet above sea level. More information.
Red Hill
By Lakes Region standards, Red Hill is bigger than some mountains. It’s summit rises 2,029 feet above sea level, you however, will only have to climb 1,370 of those feet. Red Hill is a long flat-topped ridge, rising up from nearly flat ground at it’s base. At it’s top sits a fire tower, which makes spotting Red Hill easy, even from great distances. Located off a market dirt road from Bean Road in Center Harbor, Red Hill offers moderate hiking and unsurpassed views. More Information
Lakes Region Nature Walks
The Lakes Region Conservation Trust owns 70 properties totaling over 10,000 acres, most of those acres are open to the public. Some of their properties offer hiking trails and nature walks, and are a outdoor lovers dream come true. Some of the properties the trust owns are Islands, Stonedam Island is one of our favorites. For more information you can call the Lakes Region Conservation at 603- 279-3246 or visit their website at http://www.lrct.org.
Squam Mountains
The Squam mountain range located in Holderness offers several trails that are maintained by the Squam Lakes Association. Call 603-968-7336 for trail and guide information or visit http://www.squamlakes.org.
Links
Division Of Parks & Recreation
Appalachian Mountain Club of NH
New Hampshire Trails Bureau
Audubon Society of New Hampshire
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