Mount Major, Lake Winnipesaukee NH

• 5-star hikes
• 3 to 7 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,090 to 1,970 feet
• Alton, NH | Lakes Region
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Two individuals stand on a rocky outcrop, overlooking a vast landscape of water and forested land. The water body is dotted with numerous islands, and the horizon features rolling hills and mountains under a clear sky. Some trees display autumn colors, adding shades of orange and red to the scene.

Taking in the Lake Winnipesaukee views from the summit.

Just off Alton Bay at the South end of Lake Winnipesaukee is the rightfully popular hike to the summit of Mount Major, providing spectacular views across the whole lake region eleven hundred feet below. We've traced several summit hikes of Mount Major for you to choose from in ascending length and difficulty.

The easiest routes still involve a thousand foot of elevation gain, but the views are the best bang-per-foot that you'll likely find in New Hampshire. The shortest route is a 2.7 mile out-and-back on the Main Trail, but instead we'd recommend a clockwise loop beginning at Boulder Loop Trail which begins on the left side of the parking lot.
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5★ Main Trail 2.7 mi out & back, medium, gain 1090 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

5★ Main & Boulder Loop 2.9 mi loop, medium, gain 1100 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

4★ Major & Quarry Mountains 7.4 mi loop, medium, gain 1970 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

For those who want a longer journey, you can tackle the East and West peaks of Quarry Mountain too. We suggest hiking the Quarry Mountains first, enjoying some solitude and saving the Mount Major crowds and lake views for later, once you have the sun at your back.

The Mount Major trails area mercifully light on rocks and tree roots compared with the typical New Hampshire trail. The Quarry Mountain route in particular includes a surprising amount of flat easy-going trail, though this can get boggy at times.

A split view showing two different scenes of outdoor activities in a forested area. On the left, three individuals walk on a flat dirt path surrounded by dense green foliage and trees, with one person holding a map or guide. On the right, two individuals climb up a rocky incline with large boulders and sparse vegetation, indicating a more challenging terrain

The smoother Boulder Loop Trail vs Main Trail, though both have rock scrambles.

Orange Square

Main Trail
Shortest route. Some scrambles.
This is the most direct route up to Mount Major's peak. The route begins easy but soon you're stepping over and around small rocks on the trail everywhere. For the last half mile expect to have to climb up a number of small rock scrambles and across some exposed granite angles. Though this is the quickest and shortest path, we actually recommend the Loop trail described below.

Main & Boulder Loop
Slightly longer, slightly easier.
Only marginally longer than the Main Trail's out and back route, the terrain ascending the Boulder Loop Trail is much more forgiving. Fewer rocks will trouble your path, at least until you arrive at the final scramble up the mountain. Return on the Main Trail which offers more views of the lake on your descent.

A panoramic view from a high vantage point overlooking a vast lake with numerous islands. The lake is surrounded by dense forests transitioning into autumn colors and a mountain range in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, on a rocky outcrop, two individuals are seated, looking out over the scene.

Major lake sights from the top of the mountain.

Major & Quarry Mountains
More peaks, more terrain, more views.
If you're searching for a longer adventure, then this route combines the summit of Mount Major with a further five additional peaks, a varied array of terrain and a greater number of scenic views in all directions.

Despite the additional mileage, this route is only around two thousand feet in total elevation gain and without a leg-burning climb in sight. We also mapped the short trail to Mount Anna, but since it has no discernable summit or elevation difference this will probably only be of interest to peak baggers.

A panoramic view of a natural landscape during the day. The scene features a clear blue sky with few clouds, rolling hills covered with dense forests, and a body of water visible among the hills in the distance. The foreground includes trees with green and autumn-colored leaves, and exposed rock formations on the ground.

Southerly views from Straightback Mountain.

Tangents:
• Forest Society: Mount Major Reservation
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Main Trail, Major Loop
• Facebook Group: Follow, Like or Leave a Comment

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