Watch Save Mt Major Video - Alton Bay NH
Mount Major near West Alton is a rocky smooth summit with extensive views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range, and even the White Mountains in clear weather. It’s a favorite hike of childrens’ camps, so you can expect heavy traffic even on weekdays in the summer and fall
Watching boats on the lake is a common pastime from the summit, and the biggest boat of all is the M/S Mount Washington. It’s route to Alton Bay takes it past the mountain on Sundays and Thursdays during the summer at about 11 AM, departing the docks at about 11:30 AM. Check cruisenh.com for schedule changes.
The 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 reamain to this day and still provide shelter from the wind for hikers on the summit. The property was eventually reverted to the Town of Alton. And while roof-less, the walls have stood strong till this day and give hikers what Mr. Phippen had always hoped for. welcome to the summit of Mount Major 🙂
Quick trail facts:
Distance : (from parking area to summit) aprrox 2.0 miles.
Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
Total hike length: 3.9 miles
Total Elevation: 1150 feet
Trailhead parking: Rt.11 Alton Bay, NH
Maps: USGS West Alton
Trail map of Belknap Range, available
Location: Alton Bay NH
From I-95 in Portsmouth, follow the Spaulding Turnpike/ NH Route 16 N about 21 miles to exit 15, then follow NH Route 11 about 20.6 miles W to parking lot on L.
Far End: Summit of Mount Major, elevation 1786 feet
Owner: state and private
Maintainer: informal
Special regulations: No fires or camping
Description There is an extensive trail network in the Belknap Range; this article will describe the three most popular routes up Mount Major:
Main Trail: Take the obvious woods road which leaves the R side of the parking lot as you face the mountain. There are blue blazes but you won’t need them to follow the road. Almost within sight of the parking lot, the road forks; either fork is OK but make sure everyone in your party goes the same way if you don’t want to waste much of the day looking for them. After the two rejoin, the blue blazes and the Main Trail turn left at another junction about .8 miles from the parking lot. The road becomes a footpath, often with several branches which usually rejoin. There are a number of rock slabs to ascend, and because this trail is on the N side and gets a lot of foot traffic, it may be the iciest route up in cold weather. The trail climbs over a small knoll then steeply up the rocks to the summit. Distance from parking lot: 1.8 miles.
On the return, look for blue blazes dropping off to the NE.
Brook Trail: Follow the Main Trail for .8 miles, then go straight following yellow blazes where the Main Trail turns L. After a dip, the trail follows an old road up along the brook – in wet weather some of the trail seems like a brook, and crossings may be difficult at times of high water. At the col between Straightback and Mt. Major, turn L on the blue-blazed trail to reach the summit. A route up from the S joins from the R shortly beyond. Distance from parking lot: 2.4 miles. On the return, take the trail heading W toward Mt. Belknap, then go R at the col. Do not take the trail to Straightback Mtn., which does not lead “straight back” to the parking lot.
Boulder Loop: Take the faint snowmobile trail which leaves the L side of the parking lot as you face the mountain. Cross two small bridges within sight of the parking lot, then turn R up the bank next to a boulder and continue up an old woods road which is growing in. At .4 miles from the parking lot, turn R at a fork and switchback uphill. Then the road circles downhill to the L and finally becomes a trail. The trail ascends through a boulder field and comes out on ledges which it follows NW to the summit. Distance from parking lot: 1.8 miles. On the return, follow the orange blazes along the ledges to the SE.
A phantom trailbuilder is at work in the Belknap Range. One day a friend of mine thought he saw a guy come out of the woods with brush clippers and just as quickly go back; an investigation showed a freshly-cut trail heading down. Go someplace where you were just last month and you may find a map taped to a tree showing a new trail to a point of interest you didn’t know about. In fact, there are at least four more trails from this parking lot to the summit of Mt. Major that I’ll leave you to discover for yourself – by the time you get there, there may be more! Approx 80,000 people hike Mount Major every year. It’splendor calls to beginners as well as experienced hikers. The perfect “Things To Do” in the Winnipesaukee Region.
Parking lot plowed in winter but may not be well sanded. Crampons or Micro Spikes necessary in icy conditions, particularly on the ledges nearing the summit. Snowshoes may be necessary particularly on lesser-traveled routes. Most times rugged hiker boots and pull on spikes are perfect for this mountain. Beautiful breath-taking views are yours alone when you hike in winter on Mount Major! The frozen broads of Lake Winnipesaukee are …… You will see!
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