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Hikers at the summit during sunset

Hiking, Biking & Fishing

Gunstock Mountain Resort is an outdoor-lover's playground. Spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains beyond are revealed as hikers climb higher on the resort's hiking trails ascending Gunstock Mountain, Mount Rowe and Cobble Mountain. On a clear day, Mount Washington and the Presidential Range appear along the mountainous horizon. Many trails are appropriate for mountain biking. For more information about biking in the Lakes Region, visit the Lakes Region Bicycling website.

The Wetlands Boardwalk              

In partnership with the Belknap County Conservation District, Gunstock is home to the one-quarter mile, accessible boardwalk, complete with benches along the way. Informational elements educate visitors about the wetlands. Parking is available off the entrance road, on the right. Access for visitors with disabilities is through the campground. Please stop in at the Camp Store for directions.                  

Hiking Trails

Gunstock Mountain Resort sits in the middle of the Belknap Range and right above Lake Winnipesaukee. There is a wonderful trail network maintained by the Belknap Range Trail Tenders, a volunteer organization that has assumed primary responsibility for the maintenance of many of the trails in the Belknap Range, particularly in the western part of the Range. Follow the great work they are doing on their Facebook page. The Belknap Range Trail Map is available for download. 

Hiking and Biking Map Thumbnail(Click on map to download)

There are several marked nature trails around the resort. The Gunstock Hiking and Biking Trail Map includes the trails within Gunstock's boundaries.

Ridge Trail (white blazes)

  • Distance to Mount Rowe summit is .9 miles, approximately 50 minutes.
  • Distance to Gunstock summit is 2.8 miles, approximately 2 hours, 10 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. The trail now parallels a ski trail (2013 relocation), and continues to the summit of Gunstock Mountain.

Brook Trail (yellow blazes)

  • Distance to Gunstock summit is 1.7 miles, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The trail begins to the right of the large stone fireplace, which is 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 3.2 miles, approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • Follow Round Pond Trail out of the main parking area. Trail is blazed orange and red for the first .9 miles. Follow just past a hairpin 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 Gunstock Mountain. 

Round Pond Trail (red blazes)

  • Distance to the pond is 3.1 miles, approximately 2 hours.
  • To reach the trailhead, follow the access road back past the last of the maintenance buildings and turn right onto a gravel road leading across a small stone bridge. Trail is blazed orange and red for the first .9 miles where the Overlook trail diverges right. Continue on to follow the Red blazes. At 1.8 miles it meets and coincides with the yellow-blazed E. Gilford Trail for .3 miles. The trail follows a woods road with minor ups and downs then crosses a brook on a bridge. Past the brook, it turns right at a junction with the East Gilford Fire Road. At 3.0 miles the green-blazed Round Pond-Piper Link trail enters from the right just before the height of land. The combined trails continue and descend to the Northwest shore of Round Pond at 3.1 miles.

Cobble Mountain Trail (blue XC markers)

  • Distance from start to finish is .85 miles, approximately 45 minutes.
  • The Cobble Mountain 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 Cobble Crown 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, raincoat and extra food, water, and clothing in a daypack. 
  • Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, and 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 resource for hiking trail maps of the entire Belknap Mountain Range.  

Mountain Biking
  • Enjoy Gunstock's single and double track trails. There are all levels of difficulty, starting with beginner terrain through our campground, to intermediate trails around Cobble Mountain, and up to advance riding across the ridge line from the summit of Gunstock to Mount Rowe.
  • No lift service is available to take bikes to the summit.
Fishing

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

  • A valid New Hampshire State Fishing License is required for ages 16 and older. The NH Fish and Game web site has information on when the pond has been stocked and where to purchase fishing licenses. 
  • The Gunstock Pond is a designated Trout Pond by NH Fish and Game, and fishing in the pond is only allowed from the fourth Saturday in April to October 15.
  • The Camp Store has bait available for purchase Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.
  • Both the Belknap County Sportsman Association and Gilford Police Department host kids' fishing derbies in early June.  More information is available on the Events Calendar.