Mt. Major and Mt. Straightback Blueberry Picking Hike

Come for a walk up Mount Major and Mount Straightback in Alton, NH for some blueberry picking. This will be a social and casual hike. The trip is easy to moderate with an elevation gain of about 1350 feet and a distance of about 5.5 miles.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1350 feet
Hiking Pace: Casual
Start time:  11:00am

The Region

These mountains are within the Belknap Mountain Range nestled on the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Mount Major (1786 feet) is a very popular destination for many who visit the lakes region. It has a relatively exposed summit and offers the best views of Lake Winnipesaukee compared to any other hill in the area. There will be many hikers on the trails for Mt. Major, but we will also hike to Mt. Straightback where very few visit. Mt. Straightback (1890 feet) is higher than Mt. Major with a view only to the south and west. It is less exposed. A little known secret is this mountain was a working blueberry farm in the 1900s. With it having secluded and sunbathed slopes it can boast the best wild blueberry picking around.

The Hike

We will begin at the Mt. Major trailhead parking lot off of NH Route 11. We will ascend using the Boulder Trail to the summit of Mt. Major. There will be a boulder field towards the top of this trail which may be tricky and a little steep for a few hundred yards. Once we have a lunch at the summit we will follow the easy Straightback-Major Link to Mt. Straightback for some blueberry picking. On our return we will follow the gradual Brook Trail back to the parking lot.

What to Bring

Sturdy boots are encouraged for the loose rock on the trail.  Bring plenty of water and a lunch.

Notes

We will have a short lunch on Mt. Major.
Plan to spend some time on Mt. Straightback for blueberry picking.
Be prepared for very strong winds on Mt. Major because of thermals formed by the nearby lake.  
This is a dog friendly hike.
More information will be emailed to participating members a few days before the hike.

Trail head parking lot:  N43 31.142'  W71 16.387'

We will meet at the Mt. Major parking lot off of NH Route 11 in Alton, NH.

From the Alton traffic circle (junction Route 28 and Route 11) the parking area is 6 miles west on Route 11.

From the Laconia Airport the parking lot is about 10 miles heading east on Route 11.  There will be a brown state highway sign indicating the Mt. Major parking lot just ahead.  Be ready to park along the side of Route 11 if the parking area is full. Parking is free.