This moderate hike and invigorating climb will bring us to magnificent views of Lake Winnipesaukee. On a clear day, the Ossipee Mountain Range rises from the shores of Winnipesauke and Mount Washington can be spotted in the distance. Belknap Mountain has a firetower. 

It's a 4 mile loop with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. A lot of bang for our buck!

We'll start at the bottom of the Carriage Road [gate is closed] and hike up it for 1.2 miles that may still be used by snowmobiles this time of year and at the end pick up the Green Trail for 0.8 mile to reach the Belknap Mountain firetower [2,382'] where we'll have lunch. We'll trace our steps to pick up the Red Trail for the descent and then down the Carriage Road. 

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 weather...no cotton or blue jeans. You should also have insulated winter boots suitable for the season.  Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike.

From the West

• From I-93 take Exit 20 and from the exit ramp turn easterly onto Rt. 3 North
• Follow Rt. 3 for approximately 9.7 miles and at the intersection wih Rt. 11A, turn right onto Rt. 11A
• Follow Rt. 11A for 2.2 miles, then, in Gilford village, turn right onto Belknap Mountain Road. Follow Belknap Mountain Road, bearing left after 0.8 mile,and right at 1.4 mile. After another 1.0 mile you will reach a fork.
• Bear left at the fork onto Belknap Carriage Road and follow the road for 1.5 miles. Park in the lot at the end of road.
• We will be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.

From the Southeast

• From Rt. 16 in Rochester, follow Rt. 11 north to the junction with Rt. 11A in West Alton. Then turn onto Rt. 11A and follow the road for approximately 7.7 miles. In Gilford village, turn onto Belknap Mountain Road.
• Pick up the remaining directions from above.