2,382 ft | Belknap | 1 route
As of October 16, 2026
Trail conditions on Belknap Mountain are currently rated Moderate. At 1:20 PM ET it was 47°F at the summit (2,382 ft), feeling like 41°F, with S winds at 14 mph. The listed route, Belknap Traverse, is 19.4 miles point to point with 5,295 ft of elevation gain, taking about 9-15 hours. See the hour-by-hour Belknap Mountain weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Warden's Trail (0.6 mi) · Red Trail (0.8 mi) · Blue Trail (1.0 mi) · East Gilford Trail
Feels like 41°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.29" (24h) · 0.29" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 16, 2026
Foggy, damp, and breezy conditions with recent rain and more drizzle expected Friday, making rocks, roots, and leaf litter slick. Saturday turns colder with overcast skies and low risk of precipitation, while Sunday looks clear and the best overall day. Fall daylight is limited to about 11 hours, so start early and carry a headlamp.
Conditions are fairly similar between trailhead (~2,000 ft) and summit (~2,382 ft), with only about a 1\u00b0F difference, but wind is stronger and wind chill colder (near 29\u00b0F) at the summit. The freezing level is far above the peak, but start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating layer, and carry a windproof shell for the open summit.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday late morning through early afternoon offers the clearest skies and driest conditions; if hiking Saturday, go midday when temperatures are warmest and precipitation risk is lowest, finishing well before dark.
Last synthesized Oct 16, 1:20 PM ET
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Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
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26°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 26°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
10h 52m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 5:56 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Rising to 2,382 feet in the Belknap Range of the Lakes Region, this central New Hampshire summit offers a rewarding moderate hike with a surprisingly open, rocky summit that punches above its modest elevation. Hikers are treated to sweeping panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding lakes region, with the White Mountains visible on clear days to the north. The trail network on Belknap Mountain is well-established and accessible, featuring a historic fire tower at the summit that further extends the already impressive sightlines in all directions. As the highest peak in the Belknap Range, it serves as the crown jewel of the Belknap 12 peak list, making it a natural starting point or capstone objective for those working through the collection. The relatively short approach combined with above-treeline summit exposure makes this an excellent introduction to New Hampshire ridge hiking.
Elevation
2,382 ft
Range
Belknap
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
43.5178, -71.3692
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.