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Mt. Major via Boulder Loop and Brook Trails ![]()
Route Summary This is a loop hike up to Mount Major where there are fantastic views of Lake Winnipesaukee. The hike ascends via Boulder Loop Trail and descends on Major-Straightback Link, Brook Trail, and Mount Major Trail. Ascent:
Descent:
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Trail Guide ![]() The route presented us with gentle inclines most of the way until we got near the top where we encountered a steep, ledgy section. We even had a short tunnel to duck through where a flat rock lays across two large boulders that flank either side of the path. We enjoyed great views during our rest breaks along this section although the respites were kept short due to the black fly attacks. After tackling the steep section, we were rewarded with several large, open, rocky areas at the top. In addition to magnificent views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding areas we also came upon the remains of a stone hut that was built in the early 1900's to provide shelter for hikers. After about an hour of relaxing on the summit, Dave led us down Brook Trail (which coincides with Mount Major trail for the last 0.7 mile). This turned out to be another little-traveled route and we only encountered a handful of people. True to its namesake, there was a pretty brook along several sections. Thin birch and moosewood trunks arched over the pathway to form a tall arbor. We had several naturalists in our midst that were able to identify items of curiosity. It was Phil that provided the name of moosewood (also known as striped maple) for the odd looking trees that sport a greenish-colored trunk with thin white vertical stripes running through the bark. We saw some shrubs with dogwood-like, white flower clusters that Sal informed us were hobblebush. Sal also pointed out some rock tripe (also called toad lichen). This is brown, brittle-looking, often overlapping, lichen that can be seen clinging to many boulders. It is said that rock tripe can be cooked up in a brew and eaten, although no one in the group has actually tried it. Closer to the ground, Pam pointed out princess pine, growing a few inches high, which are a type of clubmoss. Although they go by the name of "pine" and fall into the "clubmoss" group, they are neither a conifer nor moss but rather an evergreen that is more closely related to ferns. Also close to the ground, we spotted some violets in both purple and white. |
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Driving Directions
The parking lot and trailheads for Mount Major are located in Alton, New Hampshire on Rt. 11, 4.2 miles north of Alton Bay. Heading north, the parking lot turn-off is located shortly after a scenic vista and is on the left-hand side of the road. Heading south, the parking lot turn-off is located a couple miles after passing the junction with Rt. 11A on the right-hand side of the road. More Mt. Major Trail Reports |
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