Belknap Mountain Loop

• From the carriage road parking area, pick up Red Trail which starts in between Blue Trail and Green Trail.
• Follow the steep Red Trail for 0.8 mile all the way up to the summit.
• After enjoying the views, return via Blue Trail which leaves the summit in a northerly direction and is less steep than Red Trail. The first 0.5 mile of Blue Trail is also part of the Belknap Range Trail.
• Descend on Blue Trail for 0.3 mile which will bring you to an outlook with views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Sandwich Range.
• Continue down Blue Trail for another 0.2 mile which will bring you to a junction with Saddle Trail and Overlook Trail.
• Turn left to stay on Blue Trail and hike for another 0.6 mile to return to the carriage road parking lot.

• From I-93, take Exit 20 (Rt. 3).
• From the exit ramp, turn easterly on Rt. 3 North.
• Follow Rt. 3 North for approximately 9.7 miles.
• At the intersection with 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 miles. After another 1.0 mile you will reach a fork.
• Bear left at the fork onto Belknap Carriage Road.
• Follow the road for 1.5 miles then park in the lot at the end of the road.
• To find the trailhead for Red Trail (and Blue and Green Trails), walk up the road to the fire warden's garage.

• From Rt. 16 in Rochester, follow Rt. 11 north to the junction with Rt. 11A in West Alton.
• Turn left onto Rt. 11A and follow the road for approximately 7.7 miles, then, in Gilford village, turn left onto Belknap Mountain Road.
• Follow Belknap Mountain Road, bearing left after 0.8 mile, and right at 1.4 miles. After another 1.0 mile you will reach a fork.
• Bear left at the fork onto Belknap Carriage Road.
• Follow the road for 1.5 miles then park in the lot at the end of the road.
• To find the trailhead for Red Trail (and Blue and Green Trails), walk up the road to the fire warden's garage.

• The gate on Belknap Carriage Road (0.3 mile in from Belknap Mountain Road) is locked from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the summer and fall; and always locked in the winter.
• There is a small parking area before the gate. Parking here and walking up the remainder of the carriage road would add 1.2 miles, each way, to your hike.
• Parking overnight is not allowed.

• Belknap Ridge from Gunstock Mtn. to Mt. Major on 7/19/2008

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