Lake Winnepesaukee and its neighboring bodies of water in New Hampshire are encircled by three mountain ranges: Squam, Ossipee, and Belknap. The Belknap Range is the only one among its peers without one of its peaks listed on the infamous NH 52 with a view list. Don’t let that fool you though, the views come in spades.
The Belknap Range sits on the southern shores of Lake Winnepesaukee. Completing a handful of the named peaks in this range could earn you a hiker patch; the ultimate accolade for hikers. The patch requires that you complete 12 named peaks but there are several other summits you can find nestled in between.
None of the peaks reach into the Alpine Zone or above tree-line but most peaks do have a rocky top void of trees, lending themselves to great views. The range also has some amazing sub-summit landmarks like Round Pond and Sunset Lake where you can hike in and still find some great views on the ground.
If you haven’t experienced the Belknaps yet or perhaps you’ve just done its flagship peak, Mt. Major, here’s a list of my favorite hikes in the range to get you started.
- South Piper & Whiteface
- Mt Major – Main Trail or via Boulder Trail
- Mt. Klem & Mt. Mack via Round Pond
- Piper, Belknap, & Gunstock Loop
- Locke Hill
Photo Highlights from the Belknaps
The Wild East 