Mt Rowe, Lake Winnipesaukee NH


• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 4 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 750 to 980 feet
• Gilford, NH | Lakes Region
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A panoramic view of a forested mountain landscape in early autumn. Two prominent peaks rise from the densely wooded terrain—one on the left crowned by a small tower or structure, the other slightly lower and more rounded. The forest displays a mix of deep green evergreens and deciduous trees transitioning to warm hues of orange, yellow, and rust. In the foreground, a rocky outcrop juts into view, dotted with sparse shrubs and young trees showing signs of seasonal change.
Ridgeline views of Mts Gunstock and Belknap.

We find the Mount Rowe Trail at the back of the Gilford Elementary School parking lot, where a kiosk marks the start of the blue-blazed trail. A short boardwalk leads us across wetlands and a brook before the trail climbs steadily through mixed forest. Trail conditions are generally moderate all the way to the summit, except when following the left-hand junction onto the yellow-blazed trail, which offers a steeper and more direct route up the mountain’s western flank

The two trails merge near the top, close to the junction with the Ridge Trail. We follow the Ridge Trail north toward Mount Rowe’s summit and take in views of the northern part of the Belknap Range, including Gunstock and Belknap Mountains. Lake Winnipesaukee can also be seen beyond Gunstock Mountain Resort to the east. Mount Rowe itself is topped with a communications tower and offers no additional views.
⬤ 4★ Mt Rowe Trail   3.9 mi part-loop, easy & moderate, gain 970 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ 4★ Mt Rowe & Weeks Trails   4.1 mi loop, easy & moderate, gain 980 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
⬤ Resort Trail (Y)   2.1 mi out & back, gain 750 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 P  Free parking   Y  Yet To Review

We’ve marked a couple of alternative routes. First, on the return leg of an out-and-back route to the elementary school, consider a detour along a section of the Benjamin Weeks Trail, which crosses a creek and passes through tall evergreen forest. We’ve also marked on our map a shorter route that begins at Gunstock Mountain Resort, comprising a mix of service roads and forest trails, though we haven’t explored this option yet.

Gilford Elementary School does not designate specific parking spots for trail users, but there appears to be no indication that hikers are unwelcome in this large lot. Gunstock Mountain Resort has a spacious parking area, year-round restroom facilities, and seasonal restaurants and attractions.

A solitary hiker in a blue shirt and dark pants walks away from the camera along a narrow dirt trail winding through a dense forest. Towering trees with lush green foliage form a canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into scattered patches of dappled light across the leaf-strewn path. The forest floor is textured with fallen leaves, twigs, and occasional branches, suggesting a natural, minimally disturbed environment. The trail curves gently into the distance, inviting exploration and evoking a sense of peaceful solitude amid the quiet rustle of leaves and filtered light.
Mostly easy trail on the shaded Mt Rowe Trail.

The image shows a woodland trail winding through a forest of slender white birch trees. The trunks are mostly straight but some lean at angles, and one large birch bends dramatically, arching across the trail with sparse branches hanging down. The ground is carpeted with dry, orange-brown ferns and leaf litter, contrasting with the green leaves still on the trees. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light on the narrow dirt path that curves gently into the distance. The sky above is bright and clear blue, visible through the thinning canopy, suggesting a crisp autumn day.
Lighter cover of white birch towards the summit.

The image shows a sweeping view from a hillside overlooking a densely forested valley. The foreground includes green pine branches and some brown autumn leaves. Below, at the base of the valley, there is a developed area featuring several buildings, a large paved or gravel lot with visible rows, and small ponds nearby. A ski lift station and related structures can also be seen, suggesting this is a ski resort or recreational facility. The midground is dominated by rolling hills covered in thick green forest, dotted with small clearings and distant houses. In the background, a large blue lake stretches across the scene, framed by layers of mountain ridges that fade into the distance under a clear blue sky with light streaks of thin cloud
Views over Gunstock Resort towards Lake Winnipesaukee.

The image shows a tall metal communications tower photographed from a low angle, making the structure appear imposing against the sky. The tower is constructed of a steel lattice framework and bristling with numerous antennas, dishes, and broadcasting equipment at various levels. A vertical ladder is visible running up one side, with platforms at intervals for maintenance access. The sky is bright and mostly clear, painted with wispy, streaked clouds. In the upper left and right corners, branches of nearby trees extend into the frame — some with green leaves, others showing reddish-brown autumn foliage, and a few bare twigs.
Communications tower marking Mt Rowe's summit.

Tangents:
• External: Gunstock Mountain Resort
• AllTrails Public: Mt Rowe Trail
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