Mount Major is one of New Hampshire’s most hiked mountains. Just south of the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee, it offers incredible views of the lake, Alton Bay, and the White Mountains to the north. On a clear day, Mount Washington is visible from the summit. (Scroll down for trails)
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Trail Options | Trail Map | Hiking In Winter | Parking | Directions | Weather
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Mileage: 4 Miles (6.4 km)
Hike Time: 1-3 Hours
Height: 1,786 feet (544.4 meters)
Elevation Gain (cumulative): 1,150 feet
Mount Major Hiking Trails
Mount Major Trail
Length: 1.5 miles to summit
This is the shortest and steepest route up Mount Major. It features great views near the top, a little bit of simple rock climbing (with trails to walk around), and is one of the most frequented trails.
Brook Trail
Length: 1.8 miles to summit
The brook trail breaks off of the Mount Major trail, and is slightly longer in distance, but less steep. This is a great option for the down route.
Boulder Loop Trail
Length: 1.6 miles to summit
The Boulder Loop Trail is another popular trail up Mount Major that is just another quick ascent option.
Beaver Pond Trail
Length: 2.6 miles via Straightback Mountain
This is the longest trail to the summit, but the least traveled. It takes you out of the way to Beaver Pond, and up Straightback mountain which has great views of Alton Bay and south of the Belknap Range. In the summer, you will come across tons of blueberries.
Start on the Boulder Loop trail, and take the first left onto Beaver Pond Trail. Continue on Beaver Pond Trail until you reach the Jesus Valley Road Trail. (See map below). You can choose to take the route straight up to Major (quickest route), or go over Straightback Mountain (recommended due to view and blueberries in the summer).
Trail Map
Here is another trail map option:
Hiking Mount Major In Winter
Mount Major is accessible year round, and the parking lot is plowed during winter months. This is a fantastic winter hike, but hikers need to be prepared for icy conditions. Microspikes are essential on Mount Major due to the amount of ice build up, especially on steeper sections. Microspikes will prevent falls, and keep you much safer.
All trails are great during winter, however the main Mount Major Trail (blue) has several steep sections that make it far more difficult in winter. If you are not comfortable with steep icy sections, it is recommended to take another trail during winter months.
Snowshoes may also be required depending on depth of snow.
Parking
The parking lot is large off of Mt. Major Hwy, however on busy days, you will need to park along the road as the lot fills up quickly. Expect weekends and holidays to have very busy trails.
Driving Directions
Weather Forecast
Alton, NH
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 19. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday
Isolated snow showers between 4pm and 5pm. Sunny, with a high near 28. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 29. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.
Wednesday Night
Snow after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Additional Pictures
Views of Beaver Pond from Beaver Pond Trail
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
