Belknap Mountain Range
The Belknap County Sportsmen’s Association (BCSA) has a hiking program involving twelve mountains in the Belknap Mountain Range. Once a hiker completes hiking the twelve mountains on the list (below) he or she can apply for a patch. The Belknap Mountain Range is part of an ancient volcano on the western side of Lake Winnipesaukee in the towns of Alton, Gilford, and Gilmanton, New Hampshire. The landscape of the Belkap Mountain Range is worth exploring, and the views of Lake Winnipesaukee are awesome! Mount Major is an excellent hike for the young kids just getting into hiking.
Below is the list of mountains in the Belknap Range that a hiker must hike in order to receive a patch from the BCSA. For more information on the Belknap Mountains and a downloadable application form, see the Belknap County Sportsmen’s Association website here. Two other sources loaded with great information on the Belknap Mountains are the Belknap Range Trails (trail map) and Belknap Range Conservation Coalition websites.
Belknap Range Peaks
| # | Mountain | Elevation (feet) | Range | County | Interesting Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rowe | 1690 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | The original Gunstock chairlift development was located on Mount Rowe |
| 2 | Gunstock | 2250 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | Site of the Gunstock Mountain Resort ski area |
| 3 | Belknap | 2382 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | Named for Jeremy Belknap (1744-1796) |
| 4 | Piper | 2044 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | Stone chairs made by hikers on summit |
| 5 | Whiteface | 1664 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | |
| 6 | Mack | 1945 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | |
| 7 | Klem | 2001 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | |
| 8 | Rand | 1883 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | |
| 9 | Anna | 1670 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | |
| 10 | Quarry W | 1894 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | |
| 11 | Straightback S | 1890 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | |
| 12 | Major | 1786 | Belknap Range | Belknap County | The most popular hike in Belknap Mountain Range. Excellent views of Lake Winnipesaukee |
As you explore the Belknap Mountains, keep in mind trails travel through private property. Please respect landowners and their private property. The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests currently has a campaign, “Everybody Hikes Mt. Major!", going on to conserve the Belknap Mountains. You can read more about it and donate to the cause here.
Notes:
• ScenicNH Photography is in the business of photography, and this hiking list may not be up to date.
• Photographers, all these mountains have photo opportunities so you can create imagery during your adventure.
• For more information on the Belknap County Sportsmen’s Association hiking program click here.
• For more information on the trails of the Belknap Mountain range click here.
• Hikers of all levels should review the HikeSafe website for valuable information.
• We are human and this information is subject to errors and omissions.
