Maybe the mileage is to do the loop twice? Great views, quick hike between 2 and 4 hours depending on your conditioning and the summit conditions. Just south of the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee, it offers incredible views of the lake, Alton Bay, and the White Mountains to the north. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ to Mt.Major summit (1,786 ft .) Record your own itinerary from the Wikiloc app, upload the trail and share it with the community. Major Parking lot (650 ft.): There are three trails to the Mt. TRAIL ACCESS FROM JESUS VALLEY IS PERMANENTLY BEEN CLOSED IF YOU WANT TO ACCESS THIS TRAIL YOU NEED TO ACCESS IT FROM THE MT MAJOR PARKING LOT. Took orange (Boulder) on the way down, and wouldn't recommend that either; lots of big, steep rocks as you descend. The blue trail going up was pretty busy but the orange trail down was less traveled. From this spot, you have only a few hundred feet to the summit of Mount Major. We parked off of Jesus way instead of the main entrance and started that way. Here the Boulder Loop Trail turns right, then in 40 yd. (2.4 km), 1,150 ft ., 1 hr. the Mt. In a short distance there is an old stone cellar hole on the right. More than 200 miles of trails lie within the One Tam management area and many of these trails cross federal, state and local agency boundaries. Descend for 1.2 miles at which point Brook Trail ends upon meeting Mount Major Trail which goes both straight and right. It can be very crowded but the trails are safe and family friendly. northwest to the junction of the Brook Trail (blazed yellow). Hike on the West Ridge Trail for 1.5 miles until you reach the summit of Mount Cardigan. Great conditions on the trail and we loved that it was a dog friendly trail. Keep going straight to take Mount Major Trail downhill. Stunning views from the top. it was a bit steep in some areas, but we didn't have too much trouble. 91143 Views. Major Hike Info: Mt. Skip the crowds at Muir Woods, and explore the Redwood Creek watershed from Mount Tamalpais State Park. The Mt. For descent via the alternate route (Brook Trail), walk southwest down the ledges towards StraightbackMtn., following the blue and yellow blazes. the trail turns left and runs southwesterly to climb gradually, generally following the brook. (3.9 km) , 1,150 ft., 1 hr. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-major-and-brook-trail-loop 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 Jesus Valley Road. Yellow seems best to come down as it's flatter. ... follow the path on the map. Alton, NH north of Alton Bay and 2.4 mi. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. of NH11 with NH l1A. This trail (marked red) up to summit is definitely less traveled than the other trails from main parking up north. Major summit that originate from the trailhead parking lot on NH11. The Main Trail then turns south and in 0.8 mi. It ascends steadily through an area strewn with boulders, swings right (west) at 1.0 mi., squeezes between and under boulders at 1.2 mi., then climbs a steep, gravelly pitch. would definitely hike again, just pay more attention to the signs on the way down! Mount Major is one of my favorite hikes! north of Alton Bay and 2.4 mi. Mt. this was my brother and i's first mountain hike. Mount Major Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount Major is: Mostly dryTemperatures will be below freezing (max -1°C on Sun afternoon, min -7°C on Mon night)Winds decreasing (near gales from the W on Sun afternoon, light winds from the WNW by Tue morning). 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. Navigating down the orange trail from the summit was quite challenging and rocky. Boston MA. Easiest way up and down this mountain. At both crossings in higher water some very creative rock hopping is required to keep your feet dry. Totally worth it. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. This trail starts by branching off of the Franconia Notch State Park Recreational Trail.It soon crosses under Route 3 and a footbridge, then begins ascending in earnest to its junction with the Indian Head Trail.Along this portion of the trail, be sure to take your time as you slog up the trail's … Compiled and Edited by Gene Daniell and Steven D. Smith. The Boulder Loop Trail was harder than I expected, but it was such an enjoyable hike! ), 1,150 ft., 1 hr. We went counter clockwise, up the steeper part (orange) then down the more gradual side (yellow/blue to red). The primary hiking access and parking for Mount Major is located on NH Route 11 in Alton which serves as the trailhead for the Brook Trail Loop and the Southern Loop Trail (Orange to Blue). The trail was quite steep at this point and you have to be careful as you navigate up these large, rocky areas. Below: The trail junction of Mount Major and the Brook Trail; The trail gets rockier; The trail … Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. from the parking lot). _______________________________________________________________________________________________ For a time, the Mount Major trail is wide and flat. Major is always a beautiful hike with many different trail options. This is listed as an 8 mile hike but only registers as a 5 mile loop. Have been doing this trail every few years since a teen in the late 70s and consider it a great day hike and have perhaps claimbed it 25 times. Maps & Trails. Major Trail (blazed blue) leads from the right side of the parking lot and ascends approximately 0.7 mi. Have hiked Mt. HOWEVER.... really amazing view of Lake winnipesaukee at the top. Major summit (total distance 1.5 mi.). Depending on your fitness level and the route you choose getting to the top will take 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Amazing summit! Very quick hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until November. Then views open sporadically to the north, west and south; gradually being more open. from the summit turn right onto the yellow-blazed Brook Trail (sign). Eventually, you'll crest the hard part of this trail and the grade will slacken. Trials were well marked and maintained. At 0.9 mi. Descend from the summit in a northerly direction on Mount Major Trail (marked "Main Trail" on the map) for 1.7 miles to reach the Mount Major parking lot. Mount Major Hiking trail in Mount Major, New Hampshire (United States). Length 3.7 miElevation gain 1148 ftRoute type Loop The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until November. It was also very buggy so don’t forget your bug spray! The Main/Mount Major trail is 1.5 mi one way and is the shortest route to the summit. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Trail Description: Alan Sherwood At 1.3 mi. Only did the first incline and back down... would love to do the whole large loop! Points of Interest. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Distance from Mt. Major in Alton, New Hampshire has been a hiking destination in central New Hamphire for generations. reaches the Mt. Major you will encounter the remains of Mr. Phippen's Hut. Not sure where the other 3 miles went. From this rocky area, continue up the steep trail. The panoramic views at the top are stellar!! At the top of Mt. At about 0.5 mi. Boulder Loop Trail – Description of NH11 with NH l1A. Mount Major is a mountain located in Alton, New Hampshire, south of Lake Winnipesaukee and northeast of Straightback Mountain in the Belknap Range.. This mountain has 3 trails (YELLOW 1hr 45 mins, BLUE 1hr 20 mins, ORANGE 1 hr 25 mins) 1,785 feet of elevation and MODERN difficulty. (You will pass a junction with the South Ridge Trail and a trail to Rimrock before reaching the summit.) (Scroll down for trails) Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Mileage: 4 Miles Hike Time: 1-3 Hours Mack and Round Pond, Round Pond Trail & East Gilford Fire Road, Gunstock Mtn. Didn’t see many people till we were close to summit. I highly … This is also the eastern terminus of the Belknap Range Trail. to Mt.Major summit (1,786 ft .) The views at the top are stunning. south of the jct. Alton, NH Decent is rocky and slip and falls need to be avoided. There are three trails (blue, orange and yellow) that are all conveniently accessed from the same parking lot. views open up. This is the Jesus Valley – Beaver Pond Trail partially maintained by the Mt. Please stay on designated trails. Major Area Mt. Though the mountain is not even 2000 feet, the summit has no trees on top making for 360 degree panorama. there is an intersection on right with a multiple use trail. Major Trail – Description Crampons a must in the snow. Trail Description: Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide. Major Trail diverges sharply left on a path as the Brook Trail continues ahead. It was a good choice! turns right up a bank past a boulder where a woods road continues ahead. via Mount Major Trail, and Brook Trail: 2.4 mi. 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. View of lake Winnipesaukee from Mt Major is beautiful. By mid morning the parking lot is full and overflows up and down the highway. Trail Name: Brook Trail If you prefer to not see many people while hiking, this is not a hike for you unless you go early! Dogs are also able to … Mt. The blue trail goes right up the front so it’s steeper but you can take the orange trail down & around the back for a much more calm descent. Steep incline at first, but levels out nicely. Anna, Mt. On the way down, there was a cute swampy pond. Brook Trail – Description Download its GPS track and follow the route on a map. to Mt.Major summit (1,786 ft . Turn right onto Brook Trail and follow it for 0.2 mile which will bring you to the summit of Mount Major where you can enjoy the stunning views over Lake Winnipesaukee. Mount Major is one of New Hampshire’s most hiked mountains. bears left at a fork, and ascends south along the woods road. At a low point at 0.2 mi. We took the blue trail up which is the steepest (~1.5-2hrs) and yellow trail down (~30-45mins) which took about 3hrs. Appalachian Mountain Club Books. 3 talking about this. Major Trail, well-blazed in blue, begins at a parking area on NH11, 4.2 mi. Hiked with my family and four dogs (two very small and two large). south of the jct. Reach Mt Major summit at mile 1.7. The Boulder Loop Trail leads from the left side of the parking lot and ascends southwest and the northwest to the Mt. The lower section follows a snowmobile trail that leaves the left side of the parking area (sign: Boulder Loop Trail), crosses two plank bridges, and in 30 yd. Keywords: Mt Major, Mt Major TV Road, Cross Country, All Mountain, Downhill, MTB, Mountain Bike, Trail, Guide, Map, Track, Ride *Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, trail ratings may vary from site to site, trail conditions may vary day to day, and trails may be closed or new trails opened without notice. At 0.5 mi. Major Trail and Belknap Range Trail) turns left (elev. Mulana nin iyoga (Yorta Yorta for 'Spirit of the Stone') is a 2.3km walking trail (4.6km return) on the northern side of Mount Major. The Mt. (6.3 km. from the Main Trail junction and 2.1 mi. From the parking lot, the West Ridge Trail starts just behind the shelter. Many people think this is an easy trail and as a general rule I would consider it moderate, it was an easy trail when the old logging road still had it's top soil but that has disapated due to run off. Total hiking time about 2 hr. In a short distance there is an open view to the north and then a jog to the right and back into the trees for the next 0.1 mi. ENJOY :) however, the descent was a bit of an ordeal as we lost our way on a confusingly marked side path. North Straightback Link & Dave Roberts’ Quarry Trail, Red Trail to Mt. Drive to Mount Major. Mt. We hiked yellow up and red-orange down. The blue trail is the most direct to the top. Major Trail, well-blazed in blue, begins at a parking area on NH11, 4.2 mi. 3rd Edition. Turn off the Dookie Nalinga Road onto Mount Major TV Road and continue until you reach the entrance gate on the right hand side with the University of Melbourne sign behind it. Click here to download trail descriptions. Mt.Major is located in ALTON NH. Steady easy climb up to the top. Amazing views of the lakes and other mtns. After 0.7 mile on Mount Major Trail, you will reach the parking lot that you started from. Mt. From here on the grade alternates between easy and moderate. We went yesterday 7/3 very early before it was packed with holiday weekend visitors. (2.6 km. Major Trail climbs steeply through second growth and over ledges, with some steep scrambles near the top. These dangerous ledges and the easy accessibility of the mountain have combined to produce a number of serious injuries, particularly in late fall and winter when ice is present. There are three trails to the top. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee to the east and north. (Sign on tree: “Left Mt Major 0.4 mi., Right Mt. At the top of this steep section, at 0.3 mi., the road becomes nearly level and smooth. it swings left away from the edge of the valley where green-blazed North Sriaghtback Link continues ahead. Mt. I thought the markers were much easier to follow on the way up than on the way down. Mount Major - Brook Trail (Yellow) is a hiking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Alton, NH. On a clear day, Mount Washington is visible from the summit. The pup loved the whole climb. Was actually only 5 miles. It has a bit of rock … at 0.4 mi., where the Jesus Valley-Beaver Pond Trail diverges left. map key parking ski patrol xc / nordic trails snowshoe trails night skiing/riding beginner intermediate advanced expert terrain park o gunstock ski club friends of gunstock: lakes region disabled sports quarry lot c tindeâbox main line: 603.293.4341 ski patrol 603.737.4300 code z7bstbñ beginner lanes lot b il - _ cobble mtn. Kept following red trail back to Jesus valley Rd. up to summit, easy to get to the top from that trail. Good moderate hike, rocks coming down can be slick. Took our puppy for her 1st hike yesterday and she absolutely loved it. Major Snowmobile Club. At 0.7 mi., where the road becomes wet and curves to the left, the trail continues ahead into the woods on a footpath. Overall a good challenging hike with a wide variety of steep and flat parts. Gorgeous but the leaves made it slippery!! Great loop, not super trafficky until you get to the top and hit the orange trail. Also quite crowded. Straightback Mountain and Mount Anna via Main Trail (Blue) and Old Stage Road, Mount Major Southern Loop Trail (Orange to Blue), Mount Rand and West Quarry Mountain Peaks, Brook Trail to Mount Major to Beaver Brook Loop, Straightback Mountain and Mount Anna via Main Trail (Blue) and Anna-Goat (Red), Mount Mack, Mount Klem and Mount Rand Loop, Sno-Mo, Straightback Mountain, Precipice, Old State Road, Snowmobile Trail (red) to Boulder Loop Trail (orange), https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-major-and-brook-trail-loop, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-major-southern-loop-trail. Major Trail – 1.5 miles (to scenic vista at the top, marked with blue blazes) Boulder Loop Trail – 1.6 miles (from summit to trail head, marked with orange blazes) Elevation Gain – Approximately 1,100 feet 20 min. Great hike...up blue trail and down the orange. 25 min . Mt. 45 min. Hike this last weekend. A short distance after the left turn a red blaze is located about where the Rock Cave trail starts on left. Get there early though to avoid the crowds (you can even watch the sunrise at the top). 2010. The Brook Trail continues northwest from the junction with the Main Trail and then turns south and then southeast and east to approach Mt. south of the NH11 and NH11A junction. Straightback – 0.7 mi., return to parking lot 2.0 miles”. Mount Major is a 7.4 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Alton Bay, New Hampshire that features a lake and is rated as moderate. At 0.7 mi. Click here to download trail descriptions. Major offers views that are among the best in southern New Hampshire for the effort required, but the upper ledges are steep and dangerous in wet or icy conditions. Cataract Trail. The Brook trail turns left, easterly (blazed yellow and blue here). to starting point via complete loop: 3.9 mi. Trail Description: Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide. Rested up top for 30 min to enjoy the view. 2010. It climbs moderately up a woods road also used as a snowmobile trail to a T-jct. From the summit, the views are incredible; especially on a clear summer day. Great hike ! Mount Monadnock, or Grand Monadnock, is a 3,165 ft (965 m) mountain in the towns of Jaffrey and Dublin, New Hampshire. (2.6 km. For the descent from the summit via the Mount Major Trail, follow the blue blazes northeast directly down the ledges towards the southern part of Lake Winnipesaukee. Continued down orange trail from summit, which was rocky and steep. Orange trail connects back to red trail, which is easy and flat from there. The map below shows how to get to the summit of Mount Cardigan. Tough hike this time of year with the leaves on the ground. the view at the top is gorgeous and not too crowded. The Brook trail continues south by southeast to intersect with the Blue Trail (Belknap Range Trail) at 1.2 mi. Get directions, maps, and traffic for Mount Major, NH. Major Trail (aka Blue Trail) Discover trails like Mount Major and Brook Trail Loop New Hampshire, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. The large parking area is 4.2 mi. ): 1.6 mi. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November. 1. started on red trail from Jesus valley Rd. Major summit, a total distance of approximately 1.6 mi. 'llòðÅ dryfire Epic views at the summit! Trail and Winter Shortcut Trail, Public Lands and Conservation Easements in the Belknaps. and ascends alongside it, with loose footing on some severely eroded sections (some of which have been bypassed). Mount Major is a 4.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Alton Bay, New Hampshire that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This recording heads up along the Boulder Trail (orange blazes), down the Brook Trail (yellow blazes), and finally down the Main Trail (blue blazes) before reaching the parking lot. The Brook Trail (blazed yellow) begins at the junction where the Blue Trail (aka Mt. Parking in a dead end street. To descend by this trail, walk south across the ledges from the hut and look for orange blazes on the rock. A hike to the top of Mount Major is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. The trail was well marked, due to it being the 4th. It should be noted that all routes are significantly eroded from foot traffic that has exposed the underlying granite rubble on the main trails this condition has made this trail very tricky if you have little experience or are without proper foot wear. I took blue (main) up, and especially at the end, it was very slippery – saw a person roll their ankle pretty badly trying to come down. Distance I would estimate to be around 5-6 miles. 75 miles 1 1/2 hours Park at roadside parking area: N 43 31.150 W 71 16.414 LARGE MAP. The Brook Trail (Class 1) is very gradual trail and is 2.3 miles one way with 1100 foot elevation gain. via Mount Major Trail: 1.5 mi. Read more about Mr. Phippen's Hut. At 1.5 mi. reach the first of two brook crossings. Major Trail – Description The Mt. Major all my life. ), 850 ft., 1 hr.25 min. Google map: Belknap Range Roads (from Nashua NH): From this junction continue west by northwesterly on the flat Brook Trail. This is also the eastern terminus of the Belknap Range Trail. 925 ft). The Boulder Loop Trail (blazed orange) provides an attractive route up the south side of the Mt.Major from the trailhead parking area on NH 11. Trails & Hikes . Explore 4.0 miles over 1 trail in Mount Major State Park, Alton, New Hampshire. Alton, NH At the top of the pitch it turns right, then left and runs at easy grades through pine and oak woods, then ascends gradually over open ledges, with increasing views east and south, to the summit. Appalachian Mountain Club Books. ), 1,150 ft., 2 hr. Major parking lot and follows an old logging road, ascending a steep, eroded section where several paths diverge and rejoin. Major summit from the west (total of 1.6 mi. Directions to the trailhead, free maps, and more. Went mid April on a weekend.. it was pretty busy! 30 min. The return walk is back down the same trail. the combined yellow/blue-blazed trail turns northeasterly and in the last 0.1 mi. The trail leaves the right side of the parking area and follows a lumber road west, ascending a steep, severely eroded section where several alternate roads diverge and rejoin; the road farthest to the right (ascending) offers slightly better footing than the others. Hiking time and distance from Blue Trail junction (925 ft.): Trail Name: Boulder Loop Trail Mount Major and Brook Trail Loop is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Alton Bay, New Hampshire that features a lake and is rated as moderate. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ to Mt.Major summit (1,786 ft.): 1.7 mi. The scenic, rocky summit is a popular hiking destination, accessible by multiple trails including the Mount Major Trail, the Brook Trail, and the Boulder Loop. The Mt. At the summit lies classic shots of Lake Winnepausaukee that cannot not be beat. Also noteworthy on a daily basis generally 1O% to 25% do not reach the top mostly depending on conditions of weather. This trail leaves the right side of the Mt. Hiking Mount Major in Alton Bay NH is family hiking in Lakes Region of NH with moderate hiking trails and breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee NH At about 1.5 mi. Still a good Day hike within 2 hours of Boston. Trail Name: Mt. It takes about an hour to get up and 50 minutes to get down but the views are well worth it! 3rd Edition. Enjoy & research Alton, New Hampshire with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails… north of Alton Bay and 2.4 mi. The summit, with the ruins of a stone hut (” Mr. Phippin’s Hut” ) is reached at 1.5 mi. Gradually increasing grade with a steep, rock scramble at the end. It recrosses the brook at 0.7 mi. You can find the Southern Loop Trail (Orange to Blue) here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-major-southern-loop-trail. You can find the Brook Trail Loop here: Main/Mount Major Trail to the Brook Trail to the Boulder Loop Trail. Boston MA. Mount Major. Wondering if anyone else found it was 5 miles? No parking allowed outside of trailheads along county and private roads. Compiled and Edited by Gene Daniell and Steven D. Smith. ; various other unofficial routes in this area have been closed off as revegetation areas. This summit has some of the best views in the lakes region. Good moderate hike. Trailhead, free maps, and traffic for Mount Major is one of New Hampshire ( United ). Red Trail to Rimrock before reaching the summit turn right onto the yellow-blazed Brook Trail ( sign on:... Open sporadically to the signs on the right side of the best views in Belknaps! Also the eastern terminus of the Belknap Range Trail ) Alton, NH really amazing view of Lake Winnepausaukee can! Were much easier to follow on the ground the Jesus Valley-Beaver Pond Trail diverges left friendly Trail junction west... Bit of rock … Mount Major, NH for 1.5 miles until get! 1-3 hours 3 talking about this and overflows up and 50 minutes to get and... ), 1,150 ft., 1 hr ’ t see many people till we were close summit! Incline and back down... would love to do the loop twice gradual side yellow/blue... 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