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Belknap Mountain State Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in Gilford, New Hampshire · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Belknap Mountain State Forest yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Forest trails of varying levels of difficulty on a peak, plus scenic overlooks and a lake.
What runners say about Belknap Mountain State Forest
“If you aren't in the mood to hike you can drive up the mountain and ¾ way to the top is a parking lot with a scenic view near by.”
“Trail is individually marked by colors and is easy to follow.”
“Easy hike, beautiful view of the lake from the fire tower.”
Great Forest. Hike a lot or a little. Can park at the base of the mountain and go for the full adventure or drive half way up and walk less than 100 yards to a nice rock faced vista. Several trails to choose from starting around the vista all around a mile up to the peak with a watch tower for a 360 view.
Another section of the Belknap mountain range that is just awesome for hiking! The trails vary from moderate to difficult. At least for me because I have a disability. But the views from the mountains in that area are beautiful! And Round Pond in the middle of it all to me is like heaven on Earth.
A great place to hike and bring your dogs. If you aren't in the mood to hike you can drive up the mountain and ¾ way to the top is a parking lot with a scenic view near by. I go there to just sit and relax. Gorgeous view even on my lazy days
What a lovely range of trails with multiple difficulty levels. Today I parked at the beginning of the Carriage Rd and went up the Gunstock Mt. Trail. What a hike, with an uphill climb comparable to Mt. Major, just not as steep.
Trail conditions & character
“If you aren't in the mood to hike you can drive up the mountain and ¾ way to the top is a parking lot with a scenic view near by.”
“There is plenty of steep walking all through the trail system.”
“If you aren't in the mood to hike you can drive up the mountain and ¾ way to the top is a parking lot with a scenic view near by.”
Plan your run at Belknap Mountain State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitebelknaprangetrails.org
Running trails near Gilford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Belknap Range Trails
4.5 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area offering various trails, a fire tower, and scenic overlooks.
Mount Major Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 465 reviews
Rock-scrambling climb to mountain summit offering panoramic vistas and a picnic area.
Lockes Hill Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 200 reviews
Popular mountain hiking area offering several marked trails past scenic lookout points, plus views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Laconia Sledding Hill
4.4 ★★★★☆ 58 reviews
Public park with a large hill for sledding that's suitable for children.
