Mt. Major

Just about everyone who visits Lake Winnipesauke knows Mt. Major, one of the Belknap Mountains. Climb to the summit for an exquisite view of nearly all of Winni, Lake Wentworth, and some of the Ossipee and White Mountains too.

I’ve climbed it several times, but never knew until this year that there are three trails to the summit. Without a map, I’d always used the heavily traveled main Mt. Major trail that leaves at the back right of the parking lot. Many groups hike this mountain, so it is handy to know about the Boulder Trail and the Brook Trail. Take these to enjoy less foot traffic. You may still encounter a crowd at the top but at least your ascent and descent will be more quiet.

The Boulder Trail, blazed in orange, leaves from the left rear of the lot. Fewer spectacular views, but the summit makes up for that. The reasonable grade makes it a good choice for the ascent. You’ll have to scramble through a section of boulders before reaching the ledges near the summit.

At the top you’ll find the ruins of an old stone summit house and spectacular views. If you’re going on a weekend between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, you’ll probably have plenty of company. Weekdays during the school year you might run into groups of kids or teens. Most groups use the more heavily traveled Mt. Major trail, so while the summit may be populated, your chances of a quieter hike like with taking the Boulder and/or Brook Trails.

From the summit, walk away from the lake and toward the Belknap Range to find the well-marked Brook Trail. This trail leads you down through the woods roughly paralleling the ledgey Mt. Major trail and then joins up with it after turning onto a wide former logging road.

I finally got a new camera but still need to upload photos of my September hike. Coming soon!