Mts Klem, Rand & Mack, Gilford NH


• 5-star hikes
• 7 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,280 to 1,680 feet
• Gilford, NH | Lakes Region
.   Belknap 12   A tranquil lake reflects the clear blue sky and surrounding autumnal forest, where a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees display vibrant fall colors—rich reds, warm oranges, and golden yellows. In the foreground, a distinctive tree with a curved trunk and sparse, leafless branches arches over the water, adding sculptural interest. Across the lake, a forested hillside rises, crowned by a small structure or antenna at its peak. The scene evokes a crisp, sunny day in early fall, with calm water and vivid foliage creating a serene, picturesque landscape.
Views towards Belknap Mountain from Round Pond.

Tucked into the heart of the Belknap Range lies a moderately challenging loop that links three lesser-known summits with a hike to a pristine mountain pond. Beginning at the Wood Road trailhead the route combines narrow single-track trails with some fire roads.

As you approach the end of the first mile of hiking and arrive at a large clearing, keep close to the trees on your left to be sure to find the continuing trail. After a little gentle climbing you'll drop down onto the shores of Round Pond. Nestled in a natural basin between surrounding peaks, the pond’s northwestern shoreline trail offers views across the water toward Belknap Mountain, identifiable by its communications mast. If you squint, you might be able to make out the cabin of the fire tower sits to the left, atop the summit.
⬤ 5★ Mts Klem & Mack   6.7 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 1,280 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ 5★ Mts Klem, Rand & Mack   7.7 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 1,680 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 P  Free parking

From the pond trail, take a hard right onto the narrower Mount Klem Trail. Lake Winnipesaukee views from an open ledge await just before the mountain's wooded summit.

An out-and-back spur leads to Mount Rand, presenting the most technical terrain on the loop. This section features several moderate fun scrambles and occasional navigation challenges where the path becomes less defined. Views from Rand’s summit resemble those from nearby Mount Mack, making this peak optional for hikers not peak-bagging or pursuing the Belknap 12-peak challenge.
The looping route continues to Mount Mack, where several open ledges near the summit provide expansive southerly views. From these vantage points, Sunset, Manning, and Crystal Lakes spread across the landscape, with Pawtuckaway’s peaks and the distinctive twin summits of the Uncanoonucs visible on the horizon. The return to the trailhead leads hikers along even more of Round Pond's lakeside trail, spoiling us with even more views.

A forest trail winds through a dense stand of deciduous trees in mid-autumn, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and casting dappled light across the leaf-strewn path. The trees display a range of seasonal colors—from lingering greens to vivid yellows and deep oranges—while the forest floor is scattered with fallen leaves, exposed roots, and small rocks. A red trail marker painted on a central tree trunk indicates a designated hiking route.
Easy to moderate trails, except for the Rand Mt spur.

Be aware that the Wood Road trailhead parking lot is marked for only five vehicles, and this trail can be very popular. On a weekday try to arrive early; and on weekends be prepared to simply get lucky and have a second-choice hike prepared just in case. There are no other nearby parking opportunities, but if you're prepared to start from the Gunstock Mountain Resort you could hike in along Round Pond Trail and add an additional three miles to your route.

 MAP PACK  These three peaks are part of the Belknap Range 12-peak challenge. Our Map Pack is a smartphone download containing trail reviews and route navigation for all twelve Belknap peaks. Map Packs are free for personal use and even work when you're offline.

A panoramic view of a large, tranquil lake surrounded by forested terrain and distant, gently rolling mountains beneath a clear blue sky. The lake features several peninsulas and small islands, creating a varied shoreline. Trees across the landscape display a mix of green and autumnal hues—yellows, oranges, and reds—signaling a seasonal transition. The mountains in the background are densely wooded and softly contoured, adding depth to the scene. A few scattered clouds drift across the sky, enhancing the sense of openness and calm.
Winnipesaukee views before Klem Mt summit.

A hiker wearing a red shirt, dark pants, and a blue backpack walks along a rocky forest trail surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. The path is uneven, scattered with stones and tree roots, and flanked by deciduous trees in shades of green, yellow, and orange. In the foreground, a small cairn made of stacked stones marks the trail. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light across the scene. In the distance, forested hills or low mountains rise beneath a clear blue sky with scattered clouds, adding depth and a sense of destination to the tranquil, seasonal landscape.
Mack Mountain's granite caps and southern views.

A sweeping landscape view from a high vantage point overlooks a vast expanse of forested hills and valleys. In the foreground, a tall tree with outstretched branches partially frames the scene, adding depth and scale. Below, dense woodland stretches across the terrain, with patches of autumnal color—yellows, oranges, and reds—hinting at seasonal change. Several lakes are nestled among the hills in the middle distance, their surfaces reflecting the blue sky above. The horizon is lined with softly rolling hills and distant mountain ranges beneath a mostly clear sky dotted with scattered clouds
Southern views of the Uncanoonucs and Crotched Mt.

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Mts Klem & Mack


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