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Mount Major, Alton Bay


Highlights:

Cliffs, Scenic view of Lake Winnipesaukee
Near:Alton Bay, NH
Scenery:
Distance:3.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1124 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: We took the left most trail to the summit. It provides a short and direct route but has some challenging cliffs to ascend or navigate around. This mountain sees plenty of traffic so the trail is easy to find and there are many side routes around obstacles.

The trail splits in several places and confuses some people but generally the main trail is obvious and the splits converge. Just follow the blue blazes and arrows.

Take time to notice the lovely boulders alongside the trail.

This is a challenging but good hike for children and novices.

Trailhead: Parking lot is on the left hand side or Route 11 just 4.2 miles north of the town of Alton Bay. There is a sign on route 11.

Trailhead is on the back right side of the parking lot if you are facing the mountain. There is a small trail on the left back side of the parking lot but this is not the trail for Mt Major. (Lat:43.50396 Lon:-71.29729)

Trail Guides for Mount Major, Alton Bay:
100 Classic Hikes of the Northeast
by Jared Gange (Huntinton Graphics)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Unknown
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jon Willard, who has posted  54 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 4   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Michael on 5/25/2009
Hiked this popular trail today, Memorial Day May 25, 2009, and it was beautiful. My family took the blue trail up and opted for the ledge ascent. On the decent we took the orange trail. The kids, ages 11, 13, 14, 17, 18 had no trouble, but my wife and I felt the knees giving out on the way down. There were many people on the trail as the weather was perfect for hiking. Take your camera for great pictures.

Reviewed by Chris on 5/13/2009
Hey for your Trailhead section: both trails are the mt major trails, there are actually three. The trail on the right is the blue trail which intersects with the yellow trail about a mile in. And the trail one the left is the red/orange trail which is 1.75 miles to the peak.

Reviewed by CK on 2/2/2009
Took my parents on this hike (they are in thier 40's) and while it was a slight workout for them, they were astounded by the view. The trail is easy to follow and we saw plenty of kids hiking with thier mom and dad. The hike is steep in some places. Amazing view - you feel like you're floating ontop of Winnipesaukee!

Reviewed by Andrea on 10/13/2008
Hiked this October 12, 2008. Views were spectacular....unbelievably clear views of Lake Winni and foliage. Peak provided panoramic views and outstanding photos...Good mix of trail running, rock scaling, easy hiking. 2 hours roundtrip. Recommend packing lunch and enjoying peak scenery...Great date-hike!!

Reviewed by Mucki on 9/20/2008
I have had this hike "saved" in my bookmarks for over a year. Today was the day. We started our hike at 11:45 and reached the summit by 1:00. My girls (7 and 9), my husband, and I took the orange trail up (back, left side of parking lot, well marked as soon as you step into the woods). After lunch at the top (gorgeous 360 view), we took the blue trail back down. I might do it the other way around next time. Slippery when wet. We saw it all today...barefoot hikers, hikers in flip flops, hikers with no packs, and lots of dogs! Great day hike from the greater Boston area.

Reviewed by fb on 9/15/2008
gorgeous views, highly recommended

Reviewed by Jennifer on 7/19/2008
The reward of the views is worth the climb. I am overweight and struggled with this hike. My three teenage girls and husband made it no problem. Also, if you have any issues with height beware as I didn't think I did and had to over come it. One should wear hiking shoes not sneakers or the like you definitely need the stability and protection. Bring water/gatorade & energy snack especially in summer on a hot humid day. We followed the advice here. Took the blue trail up and orange down. On our way down major thunderstorm rolled through. For the most part it was thickly covered with trees but the rocks did become slippery alas the need for hiking boots. Good hike, but if you're not familiar with hiking find something smaller to start at

Reviewed by Crystal on 7/13/2008
I am a novice hiker, a little overweight and average shape. I loved this hike! Took the blue trail up and the orange trail down (definitely recommend the orange trail down). The view from the top was beautiful and definitely worth the hike up.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: New Hampshire Hiking, New Hampshire Trails, New Hampshire Hikes, Belknap County Hiking, Belknap County Trails, Belknap County Hikes

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