Hike New England - Mt. Major via Boulder Loop and Brook Trails

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Mt. Major via Boulder Loop and Brook Trails

Mountain:		Mt. Major (1786')
Trails:		Boulder Loop, Brook Trail, Mount Major Trail (Main Trail)
Region:		NH - Central East Lakes Region, Belknap Range
Location:		Alton, NH
Rating:		Moderate
Features:		Summit, views, night hike, fireworks, brook, ledges, loop hike
Distance:		4.2 miles
Elevation Gain:		1150 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:		Actual: 2:00 Typical: 2:45
Outing Duration:		Typical: 4:30
Hike Date:		07/01/2000 (Saturday)
Last Updated:		08/05/2008
Weather:		Clear
Author:		Webmaster
Companions:		SDHrs: Diane, Randall, Alice, Rachel B., Greg C., Greg B., Roger A., Teddy (a dog), Ed T., Dennis M., Maureen, Anne H., Richard S., Susan and her 3 daughters

Route Summary

This is a loop hike up to Mount Major.

From the back, left-hand corner of the parking lot, get onto the snowmobile trail which quickly crosses a wooden bridge.
After about 0.4 mile on the snowmobile trail, turn right onto Boulder Loop which starts to climb.
Boulder Loop climbs easily at first then gets steeper as it winds amongst ledge and boulders. After a final steep pitch, you will reach semi-open ledges (where the trail curves to the left) with views and much easier inclines.
After 1.4 miles on Boulder Loop, you will reach the summit of Mount Major.
Descend by walking away from the view (in a westerly direction) to get onto Brook Trail.
Follow Brook Trail, keeping to the right as you pass two trail junctions on the upper part of the mountain.
Brook Trail will flow straight into Mount Major Trail/Main Trail which will return you to the parking lot, 2.4 miles from the summit.

Place	Split Miles	Total Miles	Split Time	Total Time
Parking lot (650')	0.0	0.0	0:00	0:00
Mt. Major summit (1786')	1.8	1.8	1:00	1:00
Parking lot (650')	2.4	4.2	1:00	2:00

Trail map of hike route to Mount Major (map by Webmaster)

Trail Guide

Champagne, chocolate, fireworks, and pleasant, cool breezes were the rewards for the seventeen SDHrs who climbed Mount Major Saturday night. We ascended Boulder Loop trail at dusk and managed to make it to the top without having to rely too much on flashlights. The views were an entirely different flavor from when we enjoyed them in the daylight a couple months ago - but they were still breathtaking. Lake Winnipesaukee was inky black with lights dotting the shoreline. We saw the Mount Washington cruise boat gliding across the surface along with smaller boats that looked to be no larger than fireflies.

Dennis started passing around the champagne almost as soon as we reached the top, Rachel was handing out chocolate, and Greg C. was sharing his red lights so we wouldn't ruin our night vision by exposing ourselves to the harsh white glare of regular flashlights. Best of all, we weren't bothered by bugs all night long!

There were fireworks in all directions, some fairly close and others waaaay out on the horizon, just barely visible. Some in the group were perched atop the remains of the stone hut walls to get a better vantage point so that they could watch several fireworks displays at once. Greg B. discovered the roof to the hut a couple of months ago in the woods - it lies a short distance below the summit. This is the second roof to blow off the structure, despite attempts to securely bolt it to the walls.

We hiked down via the Brook Trail beneath a dark sky with endless, brilliant stars. The descent definitely required the use of flashlights. We saw a luna moth hanging out on the trail. This nocturnal creature is bigger than a butterfly and is a neat, pale green color. Our leader, Rachel, did a great job of keeping track of everybody so we made it back to the parking area with the same number of people we started with.

NH - Central East

Driving Directions

The parking area and trailheads are located on Rt. 11, 4.2 miles north of Alton Bay.

Heading north, the parking area turn-off is located shortly after a scenic vista and is on the left hand side of the road.

Heading south, the parking area turn-off is located a couple miles after passing the junction with Rt. 11A.

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