Otherwise, telling your friends about MyHikes is the next-best thing to a donation - both quick and free , Thanks for visiting MyHikes and have a great hike! Main Trail 5 2.7 mi, Out & back, Medium, Gain 1,090ft | This is the most direct route up to Mount Major's peak. The views from the top of the lake below are *chefs kiss* enjoy! About TrailsNH Kids and grandparents enjoyed the hike and felt a sense of accomplishment of climbing a mountain!! With about .4 miles left in the hike Imet the snowmobile trail which would take me back to the parking lot. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. After a short period of time I reached the trailhead at the Mt. Mount Major Trail Conditions and Trip Reports are crowdsourced After the two rejoin, the blue blazes and the Main Trail turn left at another junction about .8 miles from the parking lot. It features great views near the top, a little bit of simple rock climbing (with trails to walk around), and is one of the most frequented trails. Equipment not necessary.. The views of Lake Winnipesaukee are stunningly beautiful once get above the tree line. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ At 0.9 mi. This is a good climb! On the return, look for blue blazes dropping off to the NE. Jump To: Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Instagram Well maintained. Hiking time and distance from Blue Trail junction (925 ft.): Trail Name: Boulder Loop Trail Major before going and a lot of them made a comment that it's an "easy hike" for all skill levels well I can assure you there isn't anything easy about it. All Rights Reserved. While the trailis somewhat eroded at times, it is generally easy going and not very steep for the first .7 miles. Its 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. Companions: 12 people, 3 dogs. Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Yahoo, MySpace, and more. Links. This is a very popular trail as I saw quite a few people, dogs and families on the trail. After enjoying the open summit, descend by walking away from the view in a westerly direction, at first across open rock, to pick up Major-Straightback Link which is blazed in blue (there are trails that descend off the mountain in three different directions). We started with the blue trail, which is steep and full of small boulders and then switched to the orange trail, which was easier. Major Trail diverges sharply left on a path as the Brook Trail continues ahead. Trail Name: Mt. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Lookout Point / Summit: Overall it was a great hike with beautiful views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the summit of Mount Major. 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. 2011 (41) Brook the way down is fantastic- not too steep for my knees and the stream is delightfully cold to dip your feet/hands into. Very well maintained trail, well marked with blue paint! If you are looking for a fun fulled family day in the mountains near lakes region in New Hampshire, this hike is highly recommended!! Anna, Mt. Parking was quite crowded today, but overall amazing views! Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Major via Boulder Loop and Brook Trails on 5/6/2000, Brook Trail, Mount Major Trail, Major-Straightback Link, Snow, ice, high 30s, clear day with blue skies. TrailsNH has just about every hiking trip report, trail advisory, and forest road closing in the Northeast. This is also the eastern terminus of the Belknap Range Trail. Jun 30 | Mt. Major State Forest which is in the Belknap Range. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Trail was good, wet in some spots but not bad. I understand why they say the main trail is family friendly. Trail Map Or you can simply Show your appreciation for HikeNewEngland by using these practical and fun reusable shopping bags. You can choose to take the route straight up to Major (quickest route), or go over Straightback Mountain (recommended due to view and blueberries in the summer). While waterproof boots worked, there were times that the mud was deep and the snow came up to our knees. The view at the top was amazing, but it was crowded! Major, NH via Boulder Trail, Jesus Valley-Beaver Pond Trail, Brook Trail, Bay View Trail, Mt. The Mt. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Twitter, Light Traction & Spikes That rock scramble near the top is fun! Note that the mileage below is approximate. Directions Print/PDF map Length 3.6 miElevation gain 1,148 ftRoute type Loop Explore this 3.6-mile loop trail near Alton Bay, New Hampshire. Elevation Gain: 1150 feet. 140. Buggy. At a low point at 0.2 mi. If you are not comfortable with steep icy sections, it is recommended to take another trail during winter months. NH Ossipee 10 Mt. Major - Winnipesaukee Forum Mount Major, New Hampshire - MAKE A DAY OF IT NEW ENGLAND Major, NH via Mt Major Trail up, unmarked trail to north of Boulder Loop Trail downby: ECD / newenglandtrailconditions, Apr 21 | Straightback, East Quarry, West Quarry, Rand, Klem, Mack, Anna, NH via Too many trails to name. Great hike. January (78) Blue skies with temperature at trail head of 60F at 7 AM. The ascent is via Mount Major Trail, Brook Trail, and Major-Straightback Link. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Near By Major on the blue trail, and did not expect it to be as steep and difficult as it was - on the other hand, climbing up rocks added an element of accomplishment to the hike, because you felt like you had to work for the great view. Trail Conditions 925 ft). Then the road circles downhill to the L and finally becomes a trail. Major Trail Reports Mt. Although it is a rather large parking lot, it does often fill up rather quickly on nice summer days. Trail Options | Trail Map | Hiking In Winter| Parking | Directions | Weather, Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Trailhead parking is located just off of Route 11 in the Mt. Dirtbag dreams do come true! Alton, NH The brook trail breaks off of the Mount Major trail, and is slightly longer in distance, but less steep. Not muddy at all except the brook trail which can be easily avoided. The parking area on a nice day will be crowded. This is an out-and-back hike up to Mount Major where there are fantastic views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Directions Print/PDF map Length 4.9 miElevation gain 1,210 ftRoute type Loop Explore this 4.9-mile loop trail near Alton Bay, New Hampshire. I would suggest a trash can, because some people just throw their trash down by the porta-johns. It is 1.5 miles one way on the blue trail (most direct hence a bit strenuous trail) It took 1 hour to climb at a leisurely pace. Beautiful breath-taking views are yours alone when you hike in winter on Mount Major! from the Main Trail junction and 2.1 mi. Major via Boulder Loop and Brook Trails on 7/3/2006, Mt. Very crowded by 9am on the weekend, so plan ahead! Directions: 43.519321, -71.273757 2 Added: May 05, 2019 Updated: May 23, 2019 By: nikkiseeseverything The Mount Major Trail at Mount Major State Park in Alton, New Hampshire is a difficult and popular 4-mile loop hike to the summit of Mount Major and views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Luckily, however, parking is allowed near the lot on the side of Route 11. The Hill Shaded Trail Map and Satellite Trail Map for Mount Major NH were design by Kimball/TrailsNH, It takes a lot of time , money , and effort (including espresso shots ) to run MyHikes, including hiking Not too buggy, the back loop, when you're going up, is super steep and you pretty much go blaze to blaze (green ones too) because there isn't a super clear trail. Directly behind it is a flat topped mountain that . We went on a whim and were not prepared. Scaling rocks that are almost completely vertical but oh when you reach the top. Mount Major 4.5 104 reviews #1 of 3 things to do in Alton Bay Mountains Write a review What people are saying " Amazing view " Oct 2021 This hike is rated moderate and for some this is going to be a difficult climb. It climbs moderately up a woods road also used as a snowmobile trail to a T-jct. Appalachian Mountain Club Books. Klem Spur, bushwhack, Major, Straightback, Anna, Mack, Klem, Belknap, Gunstock, NH via Blue Trail, Belknap Range Trail, Ski Slopes, Mt. Hike up Mount Major, New Hampshire: Lake and White Mountain Views Major Parking Lot andmy wonderful jaunt up Mt. Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then rain showers likely and patchy fog. The water was still fairly easy to avoid, so waterproof shoes are not needed. It also has an area at the bottom by the lake marked Mt. Mt. Major Directions The summit can be found roughly 1.6-miles from the parking lot after heading up the Boulder Trail (orange). When you are in the parking lot and facing the trailheads, take the trail on the LEFT. 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. Mt Major Trail Map | Trailforks As far as hiking trails to the summit of Mount Major, there are two main options: The Blue Trail. Elevation: 1786'. A stronger roof lasted two winters before blowing off in the spring of 1928. Lots of diff terrain. Share this page's content on a social network. Major State Forest which is in the Belknap Range. There are amazing views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains along the way. Hill Shaded Trail Map & Satellite Trail Map © copyright TrailsNH, Mapbox, OpenStreetMap, TrailsNH is designed, built, and maintained by, How To Read The TrailsNH Weather Forecast, Mt. Kids had to scramble in a couple of places near the top. Map Widget, Facebook no bugs out, a little muddy and cloudy but so beautiful. south of the jct. Mt. Located in Alton, just 7 miles south of Ellacoya State Park, a short hike up Mt. will be added to the main trail notes. The views are at the top are exceptional. Took us about an hour to hike up and the same on the way down. To reach the summit, bear left/straight at this junction onto the blue-blazed Major-Straightback Link and continue for 0.5 mile, passing a junction with Beaver Pond Trail on the right en route. The landowner George Phippen built a stone hut for hikers on the summit in 1925, but the roof blew off the next winter. Presidential Range Mount Major : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost For our trip to Mount Major, we took the Blue Trail going up the mountain. The parking lot was completely full, with overflow parking along the side of Route 11. Major via Mount Major and Brook Trails on 8/16/2009, Mt. Mt. Privacy Policy Little wet. Very sad that people just cant pick up after their dogs. The program offers a look into the natural world through hands-on programming. Mount Major via Brook and Main Trail Loop. We did a quick google search for Mount Major on Saturday morning prior to making the trip. Situated on the western shore of Alton Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mt. The frozen broads of Lake Winnipesaukee are You will see. Major, NH via Mt Major Trail up, unmarked trail to north of Boulder Loop Trail down, Straightback, East Quarry, West Quarry, Rand, Klem, Mack, Anna, NH via Too many trails to name. Boulder Loop Trail climbs easily at first then gets steeper as it winds amongst ledge and boulders. The Jesus Valley Trail Beaver Pond Loop Trail drops down southeasterly to meet snowmobile Trail D at the Old Stage Road; a few hundred feet west of JesusValley Road. at 0.4 mi., where the Jesus Valley-Beaver PondTrail diverges left. Our entire family (from 61 years old grandfather to 5 year old kid) hiked Mount Major twice earlier this year. , and publishing new trails (Scroll down for trails), Quick Navigation: 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. Once you got closer to the top it was a bit more of a challenge and was climbing up rocks the rest of the way. You may want to wear mosquito spray or a long sleeve shirt and pants, as there were a good number of mosquitos on the trail. Directions Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to your destination. How long will this hike take? This is a great spot for a break and a picnic before heading back down. Everything We Learned From Our Hike Up Mount Major there are two alternate routes, both signed and blazed in blue: the Main Trail via ledges route forks to the right and climbs up steep ledges (potentially dangerous when wet or icy), while the Main Trail-ledge detour diverges left, avoiding the steepest scrambles, The two routes rejoin at 1.4 mi. Mt. Major - Lake Winnipesaukee Info | Lakes Region New Hampshire Boulder Loop: Take the faint snowmobile trail which leaves the L side of the parking lot as you face the mountain. At times it required both hands and feet but it was overall quite easy. A traction system for our boots to assist on the ice-covered slopes would have been a big help. This hike is a perfect stop for a New Hampshire road trip. south of the NH11 and NH11A junction. Mt Major, Lake Winnipesaukee NH - Trailspotting The property was eventually reverted to the Town of Alton. At the col between Straightback and Mt. Interpretive programs focus on connecting participants with nature and building appreciation for New Hampshire's unmatched natural heritage. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 45 min to complete. Maps and porta potties can be foundin the parking lot and the trailheads are located at the far end. Mt. North Straightback trail was absolutely empty of people and in a parts of it very steep, Id say in the top level of moderate. Went up the Blue trail and down the yellow/blue. Quarry trail and NS link not well marked, very quiet though! Hover your mouse over images in order to see captions. A short distance after the left turn a red blaze is located about where the Rock Cave trail starts on left. Major/Main Trail, Brook Trail, and Boulder Loop) lead to the summit providing options for a round trip hike ranging from 3 to 3.9 miles. Three moderately difficult trails originate from the main parking area on Route 11 in Alton: Mount Major Trail Brook Trail (Yellow Trail): . Visitor information, guidelines, and a trail map are displayed at the trailhead kiosk and staff are often at the trailhead on fair weather summer days, weekends, and holidays to answer questions and . 2008 (2). At the top of this steep section, at 0.3 mi., the road becomes nearly level and smooth. . This lower section of Mount Major Trail splits but you can take either branch down as they will later rejoin. The Mt. Major summit that originate from the trailhead parking lot on NH11. I am planning to bring my dad. I did the blue trail which the trail was relatively wide and rocky. Directions To Mount Major: Purchase some gaiters. February (103) Major in Alton, New Hampshire has been a hiking destination in central New Hamphire for generations. Here are some of the hiking destinations in the area, and it's distance from Mount Major NH as the crow flies. All trails are great during winter, however the main Mount Major Trail (blue) has several steep sections that make it far more difficult in winter. From this junction continue west by northwesterly on the flat Brook Trail. The most beautiful views of the lake and mountains. September 24, 2020 by Jamie Italiane The views from Mount Major's summit in New Hampshire are some of the best that I have seen. Wore a nice cozy sweater and had a head flash light and was good to go!! We took the brook tail/yellow trail down which looked to be an easier hike as not as rocky. Dry trail, a little buggy, very well marked. Belknap Range Hike 1: Mount Major Sunset Hike - Trekking Sketches This is a fantastic winter hike, but hikers need to be prepared for icy conditions. From the top, it is easy to see Alton Bay on the southwest edge of the lake all the way to Moultonborough Bay to the north. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2020 NH State Parks. Major Trail (blazed blue) leads from the right side of the parking lot and ascends approximately 0.7 mi. The information on this site may freely be used for personal purposes but may not be replicated on other websites or publications. Great trail. north of Alton Bay and 2.4 mi. Click here to download trail descriptions. 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. reaches the Mt. Read our. This is not a state park maintained by NH. Please make sure you have plenty of water/drink. Trail in great shape. Mount Major is one of New Hampshires most hiked mountains. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We did not make it to the top as we ran out of daylight. The large parking area is 4.2 mi. (2.4 km), 1,150 ft ., 1 hr. Major Trails - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Trip report archives compiled by year for posts tagged with Mount Major NH (or within 1.5 miles of it). Major Trail and Belknap Range Trail) turns left (elev. Current NOAA Point Forecast for Mount Major NH barely saw anyone the whole time, wonderful experience. More climbing than expected. The view is unbelievable. Major Trail Hiking Trail, Gilford, New Hampshire Mt. Major is generally quite windy, so I found refuge in the remains of the stone structure known as Mr. Phippens Hut which was built in 1925. Start on the Boulder Loop trail, and take the first left onto Beaver Pond Trail. Donate Not too buggy today. Distance from parking lot: 1.8 miles. I took a shortcut thru Boulder Loop Trail and it was more strenuous than expected. Which peak is the highest and where does the Mt. Walk for 0.5 mile, first passing by a junction on the left with Beaver Pond Trail, and then arriving at the junction with Brook Trail. of NH11 with NH l1A. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its tick season check yourself. to starting point via complete loop: 3.9 mi. (*MyHikes user account required) Log a climb. Microspikes are essential on Mount Major due to the amount of ice build up, especially on steeper sections. Trail Description: Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide. Little bit of slips rocks and mud but not bad, Amazing view at the summit. Moderate is based on length, elevation and experience of a hiker. Major, NH via Mt. The Mt. Mt Major is the "rock toppped" mountain, closest to Rte 11. Rating (click for info): 7/10. One of my favorite hikes!! But the Brook Trail was beyond miserable with all the bugs. to Mt.Major summit (1,786 ft .) Admin. 2020 (39) Give this article Share full article Julian Sands starred in "A Room . The Trail Options At Mount Major. We are both in our 60s. Lots of tone salamanders. Mount Major (Alton Bay) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) - Tripadvisor Mt. Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour, Explore the Islands & Harbor Bike Tour | 2hrs. Route Summary. Advertising Saw snakes and salamanders. Keep going straight to take Mount Major Trail downhill. Major is the easternmost peak in the Belknap Range, and also the closest to Lake Winnipesaukee. Its a favorite hike of childrens camps, so you can expect heavy traffic even on weekdays in the summer and fall. The views are at the top are exceptional. Get Driving Directions, Live Traffic & Road Conditions - MapQuest Start the hike from the Gunstock Ski Area parking lot. Watching boats on the lake is a common pastime from the summit, and the biggest boat of all is the M/S Mount Washington. There are views from each of the summits. there is an intersection on right with a multiple use trail. To suggest edits for this trail, complete a on this trail. It was foggy so didnt see any views. 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 didnt know about. Rocks, stepping up tree trunks, bouldering and dirt. Mount Major - Alton, NH | MyHikes Beautiful views and some scrambling over exposed rock towards the top. This is the Jesus Valley Beaver Pond Trail partially maintained by the Mt. It recrosses the brook at 0.7 mi. If that is not what you're looking for, you can continue towards Gilford and hike up Gunstock mountain. Located in Alton, just 7 miles south of Ellacoya State Park, a short hike up Mt. Beautiful views and some scrambling over exposed rock towards the top. , writing We hiked in the order of the summits above starting from Alton mountain road. Major. Straightback and Mount Major Loop: 448 Reviews, Map - AllTrails Once I reached the summit about 1.5 miles into the hike, I was rewarded with amazing views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the southern rim of the White Mountains. He's 68 and is healthy and fairly fit but only if the hike is fairly easy. Mt. At 1.5 mi. 20 min. Major (1,786 ft) offers views that are among the best in southern New Hampshire for the effort required. Supporter* 2018 (46) These boulders were deposited during the last ice age by glaciers about 10,000 years ago. It helps that it is in my backyard. For this half-day moderate hike up Mount Major, the rewards are views of the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee. NE 50 Finest, Search Widget Trail reports and photos may be © copyrighted elsewhere. It is a little longer but not as steep. 2017 (46) The summit of Mt. Trail conditions were great Fri of Memorial Day Weekend. Areas of fog before 10am. Mount Major and Boulder Loop Trail (Orange to Blue), Straightback Mountain and Mount Anna via Main and Anna-Goat Trail, Mount Rand and West Quarry Mountain Peaks, Straightback Mountain and Mount Anna via Main and Old Stage Road Trail, Brook Trail to Mount Major to Beaver Brook Loop, Sno-Mo, Straightback Mountain, Precipice, Old State Road, East Quarry, North Straightback, and Mount Major. Boston MA. The route begins easy but soon you're stepping over and around small rocks on the trail everywhere. Plenty of bugs for every step you take. Not muddy at all except the brook trail which can be easily avoided. ): 1.6 mi. to Mt.Major summit (1,786 ft . Mount Major Hike - The Best Views of Lake Winnipesaukee Great trail conditions. Nice views of Winnipesaukee. Mt Major - New Hampshire | peakery 2021 (52) If you like rock scrambles and rock climbing this trail is awesome for that! Great views. peakery; Log a climb. View the Full Album of Photos From This Hike The summit has superb views of Lake WInnipesaukee. One of my favorite hikes!! From here on the hiking was quite easy. This is the longest trail to the summit, but the least traveled. north of Alton Bay and 2.4 mi. The Blue trail is the more popular one and has steep, rocky sections. Your Guide to Recreating Responsibly and Safely on Mount Major There are blue blazes but you wont need them to follow the road. Show your appreciation for HikeNewEngland by using these practical and fun reusable shopping bags. September (31) Some short parts of the trail, near the top, are fairly steep and the granite is somewhat slippery, but it is certainly doable. NH Trailwrights 72, Adirondack 46 Mt. Major summit, a total distance of approximately 1.6 mi. The main trail (blue) is rocky and quite steep at the top, so make sure your shoes have some grip. The summit offers breathtaking views of the lake, islands and the white mountains. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Most definitely recommend this experience. From the summit, pick up the trail to the west (there are trails that descend off the mountain in three different directions). The site has no investors and is owned and operated by one person, Dave Miller / Main trail was exciting especially towards the end! Brought our friends up here for their first time hike. For a limited time, get up to 80% off on select outlet outerwear, climbing gear, ski equipment, lifestyle apparel, and more. Awesome hike. Major & I'm home resting; writing this! of NH11 with NH l1A. Major is a popular hike that rewards with a phenomenal view of New Hampshire's largest lake. The Brook trail turns left, easterly (blazed yellow and blue here). Most times rugged hiker boots and pull on spikes are perfect for this mountain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. not a lot of traffic between the two straightbacks. Mt. Major: A Family-Friendly Hike with Fanatic-Friendly Views April (101) I would call it a moderately difficult hike. Major, NH via Boulder Loop Trail, Belknap Range Trail, Brook Trail, Mt. NH 4000 Footers