Gunstock Mountain Resort is nature’s playground.  Miles of hiking trails across Gunstock Mountain, Mount Rowe and Cobble Mountain provide views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Ossipee and Sandwich Ranges and into the Presidential Range with a great view of Mount Washington.  

The Wetlands Boardwalk              

In partnership with the Belknap County Conservation District, Gunstock is home to the 1/4 mile, handicapped accessible boardwalk, complete with benches for resting.  The walk is self-guided with informational points along the way. Parking is available off the entrance road, on the right just past the end of the bridge’s guardrail.  Handicap access is through the campground.  Please stop in at the Welcome Center for handicap access and directions.                  

Hiking trails

There are several marked nature trails around the resort. Click here for a copy of the Gunstock hiking and biking trail map.  

Ridge Trail (white blazes)

• Distance to Gunstock summit is 2.43 miles, approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes. 
• The Ridge Trail begins just a little northwest of the Main Base Lodge, at the start of the access road to Mount Rowe.  After reaching the summit of Mount Rowe, the trail follows the ridge into the saddle between Mount Rowe and Mount Gunstock.  Then it ascends briefly through the blueberry fields and joins the Flintlock ski trail, with it then steadily ascends, ending up at the summit of Gunstock.

 Brook Trail (yellow blazes) 

• Distance to Gunstock summit is 1.65 miles, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• The trail begins by the large stone fireplace just to the left of the Panorama chairlift.  Most of the trail climbs steadily through a mature woodland, but you will cross ski trails several times, moving from one side of the woods to another.  You will come to a junction near the top, meeting the Saddle Trail, which is blazed white.  Take a right to continue on the Brook Trail to the top of Mount Gunstock.  If you follow the trail to the left, it will take you to the top of Mount Belknap via the blue trail.

 Overlook Trail (orange blazes)

• Distance to Gunstock summit is 3.6 miles, approximately 2 hours.
• To reach the trailhead, use the Cobble Mountain (5) to Maple (9) to Oak (7) XC ski trails.  These trails are accessed from the entrance road near the maintenance yard.   Follow Oak (7) just past a hair pin turn where the Overlook Trail will be on the right.  The trail descends a little, crosses a brook and climbs steadily through the forest.  Turn right onto the Saddle Trail to the top of Mount Gunstock.

Round Pond Trail (Red blazes & black diamonds)

• Distance to the pond is 3 miles, approximately 2 hours.
• To reach the trailhead, use the Cobble Mountain (5) to Maple (9) XC ski trails.  These trails are accessed from the entrance road near the maintenance yard.   Follow Maple (9) to the second junction with Oak (7), immediately turn left and begin following a bike trail (B20) until it meets the yellow-blazed E. Gilford Trail.  Turn right onto the E. Gilford Trail and follow ¼ mile to where the bike trail leads you left towards Round Pond.

Cobble Mountain Trail (blue XC markers)

• Distance from start to finish is .85 miles, approximately 45 minutes.
• The Cobble Mountain (5) trail is accessed from the entrance road near the maintenance yard.   It loops around the base of Cobble Mountain.  To access the crown, take the Crown (5S) trail.

While the hikes at Gunstock should take just a few hours, it is your responsibility to be prepared:

• Know where you are going and how to return! 
• Wear appropriate clothing for the season, in layers.
• Carry a whistle, flashlight, rain coat and extra food, water and clothing in a daypack. 
• Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return.

Belknap Range Trails

The Belknap Range Conservation Coalition is a non-profit group whose mission is to promote the conservation of open space, responsible stewardship, and low impact public enjoyment of the scenic natural, recreational and historical resources of the Belknap Mountain Range.  They are a great resourse for hiking trail maps of the entire Belknap Mountain Range.  Click here to visit their web site.

Season Long Hikers (One Way) Lift Pass

For frequent hikers, Gunstock offers a down-hill only season lift pass.  Hikers can ride down the Panorama Lift during normal operation hours.  It is not available during Soulfest.

The cost is $99 per person and it is valid June 1 through October 31, 2013.  Please inquire at the Adventure Center for purchase information. 

Fishing

Gunstock's 3-acre fishing pond is stocked on a regular basis through the summer by NH Fish and Game.  Anglers are required to park in Guntock's Main Parking lot in order to access the pond.

A valid New Hampshire State Fishing License is required for ages 16 and older.  Click here to access the NH Fish and Game web site for information on when the pond has been stocked and where to purchase fishing licenses.  (NH Fish and Game refers to our pond as the Belknap Recreation Area Pond.)

Gunstock’s Mountainside Outfitters Store has bait available for purchase.

Both the Belknap County Sportsman Association and Gilford Police Department host Kid’s Fishing Derbies in early June.  More information is available on the events calendar.