Alton, Mt Major (The most popular family hiked small mountain in New Hampshire Lakes Region). Moderate climb including some area’s more challenging. Spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the summit and much of her surrounding harbors. This is a great hike in summer and winter and perfect family adventure mountain. Snowshoeing, hike, run it’s a very popular exercise mountain. Early in the day best for not crowds. From Alton Bay take Rt 11 West and follow for about 6 miles watching for the trail head parking area on your left. (Blue Sign)
Hiking in any part of the Lakes Region and our neighbor the White Mountain Nation Forest of New Hampshire should always be taken seriously. Always be prepared for inclement weather nomatter what the forcast says. Rain, Thunderstorm, freezing rain can play a huge part of how you are prepared We have been hiking for 35 years and never take any hike lightly. Accidental injury, fatigue, hyperthermia can change things in an instant. Follow these tips and always be ready best you can!
HAVE A MED KIT IN YOUR PACK CHECK THE WEATHER OUTLOOK AHEAD ALWAYS HAVE DRY CLOTHES IN PLASTIC BAGS PLASTIC WEATHER RAIN COVER FOR YOUR BODY XTRA FOOD BARS IN CASE OF ENERGY NEED HOT THERMOS OF TEA OR COFFEE BLISTER PADS AS PART OF YOUR MED KIT WARM HAT AND GLOVES IN PLASTIC BAG GOOD HIKING BOOTS WEATHER PROOFED
“Many people hike without being prepared on the sunniest of days when a mis-hap strikes. Hike safe and always be ready for a turn in the days events”
Alton – Mt Major looking towards Alton Bay Route 11 A about five miles north of Alton Bay (close to Ellacoya State Beach) highway sign marks parking lot. Popular hiking spot due to spectacular views. 2 – mile, vertical rise 100 feet. The Mt Major trail marked in blue, straight ahead of the parking lot is the most popular trail used by visitors. It offers a challenging hike, as well as view spots, and ledges. Just a note for the weary, when you hit the pine groves above the first set of ledges, you aren’t there yet. The 2nd set of ledges are much tougher, but the view when reaching the summit I feel is 2nd to non in the Lakes Region. Mt major is popular for runners, and hikers training for the big ones. You can head up the moutain with as little as a bottle of water or pack a lunch for the day and enjoy the many trails associated with Mt Major. Carful after a rain, the rocks tend to get slippery and without the right shoes can be quite dangerous. Hope to see you there on the weekends, great family fun and spectacular views.
Alton – Morse Preserve
If you’ve climbed Mount Major but aren’t sure you’re up for that challenge—or would rather avoid the crowds, you should venture to Morse Preserve. Hike a gentle climb to a loop trail over the open summit of Pine Mountain for breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee during peak foliage season. Learn about the history of the Morse Family Blueberry Farm on Alton Mountain Road and visit the remains of the historic Avery Farm cellar. Be prepared for chilly fall temperatures and dress in layers as the summit on Pine Mountain can be breezy. Don’t forget water and your snack!
Trails start from Avery Hill Road, including a 1.7 mile marked loop trail that winds through fields and forests to reach the top of Pine Mountain. The trail traverses the Avery Field near the site of the former Avery Farm and ascends the west slope. No guarantee access to this property or its parking areas during the winter.
Center Harbor Association- Trailhead off College Road, Center Harbor West Rattlesnake Mountain – Rt. 113 Holderness –– Trailheads off Rt. 113- approx. 5 miles from downtown Holderness on right, (after Rockywold Deephaven Camps sign) park on left. Short and Easy Climb, spectacular views. Use caution with children. Steep cliffs at summit.
Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest – 157 acre forest with over a mile of waterfront, several beaches, swamp walk, over 4 miles of hiking trails managed by the Squam Lakes Association- Trailhead off College Road, Center Harbor
Gilford Belknap Mountain – Gilford Turn of Route 11A at Gilford, drive south through Gilford Village, pass the high school, road makes a sharp left. And you will begin drive up Belknap Mountain Road to parking and trailhead. 1 _ miles, vertical rise 740 feet Magnificent views
Gunstock Recreation Area – Gilford. Four season recreation area on Route 11 in Gilford. It includes a major downhill ski/tubing area on Mount Rowe and Gunstock Mountain, a 420-site campground, summer mountain Sports Park (skateboard, mountain board, mountain bike and a cross-country skiing area. A map of hiking and mountain biking trails is available at the Base Lodge.
Lockes Hill Trails Located on Route 11, 1-1/4 miles from Sawyer’s Dairy Bar Inside the parking area there is a trail guide that maps out the trail. The trail is a loop that can be accessed from the “Quarry Trail” to the left of the trail guide, and the “Lakeview Trail” to the right. The “Quarry Trail” is moderate to steep and should take hikers approximately 45 minutes to reach the top. The beginning of the accent is very easy with good footing – a nice walk in the woods. The accent becomes somewhat steeper as you approach the top, but still not strenuous. Views from the trail overlook the Laconia Airport and as you reach the top of the loop there are several offshoot trails to view Winnipesaukee and other lakes in the region. The descent on the “Lakeview Trail” is much steeper but less rocky than the “Quarry Trail” . The trails are located in the “Kimball Wildlife Forest” which is also home to the historic “Kimball Castle”. There are 15 trail markers along the route, each describing the different wildlife and habitats of the forest.
Holderness West Rattlesnake Mountain – Rt. 113 Holderness –– Trailheads off Rt. 113- approx. 5 miles from downtown Holderness on right, (after Rockywold Deephaven Camps sign) park on left. Short and Easy Climb, spectacular views. Use caution with children. Steep cliffs at summit.
Moultonborough/Center Harbor View from the Fire Tower on Red Hill Red Hill – Moultonborough (elevation 2,029 feet) Fire tower run by town of Moultonborough Fire Department. Bean Road in Center Harbor 1.4 miles to Shibley Road (fire tower sign) to parking lot with gated access road. Distance to tower 1.7 miles. Loop Trail is a 3.3 mile moderately traveled. Trail is part of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust network. Dogs leashed at all times.
Tuftonboro Abenaki Tower – Wolfeboro Route 109 in Tuftonboro. A 5-minute walk from the parking area to an 80’ tower overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains. Parking area and trailhead are located on Rt. 109 in Tuftonboro, NH, 0.9 miles south of its junction with Rt. 109A. The large parking area is on the east side of the road and is well signed. Ossipee Mountains – Bald Peak – Tuftonboro. Trail access from Castle in the Clouds offering a variety of difficulty levels for hiking as well.
Wolfeboro Cotton Valley Trail –
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is the Cotton Valley Rail Trail! This trail is 12 miles long and begins at Depot Street right here in Wolfeboro and ends at Turntable Park in Wakefield. It’s perfect for walking and biking. This is one of only three trails under DNCR management that have rails intact and are used by local rail car club.
The Cotton Valley Trail Committee (CVTC) and all its partners and volunteers hope you enjoy the opportunity to get outside and experience nature in a safe and beautiful environment. We suggest starting in downtown Wolfeboro or Turntable Park, Wakefield or anywhere in between to enjoy views of lakes, woods, open spaces, wet lands and wildlife. Take a moment to rest on one of our many benches or picnic tables and enjoy the silence and sounds of nature without traffic!
Russell C. Chase Bridge Falls Path – behind the Railroad Station is a half-mile path from downtown to the Wolfeboro Falls Area.
Lake Winnipesaukee Island Hikes
Squam Lake area Hikes
Gunstock and Belknap Mountain Trails
Moose Mountain Reservation Trails Middleton NH
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