1,883 ft | Belknap | 1 route
As of October 16, 2026
Trail conditions on Mount Rand are currently rated Moderate. At 8:40 PM ET it was 57°F at the summit (1,883 ft), feeling like 49°F, with WSW winds at 18 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 Mount Rand weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Dave Roberts' Quarry Tr (White) (1.4 mi)
Feels like 49°F
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Mount Rand is a low, fully forested peak with no above-treeline exposure, but strong, gusty west-southwest winds are forecast, with drizzle likely tonight and cold temperatures settling in Saturday. Saturday brings dry but cold conditions with wet leaves and mud left over from recent rain, and Sunday looks like the best day with clear skies. Plan around the short fall daylight window of about 11 hours.
The trailhead and summit are at nearly identical elevations, so temperatures and winds will be similar throughout, with the freezing level far above the peak. Wear a wicking base layer plus an insulating layer and pack a windproof shell, since the wind chill near 31 degF is much colder than the air temperature.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday late morning through early afternoon offers the best conditions (clear skies, dry, highs near 50 degF); on Saturday, a midday start after any lingering drizzle ends is workable but colder and breezier with a 41 degF high.
Last synthesized Oct 16, 8:40 PM ET
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29°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 29°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 1,883 feet in the Belknap Range of central New Hampshire's Lakes Region, this moderate summit offers a rewarding outing for hikers of varying experience levels. Located near Lake Winnipesaukee, the peak is one of the 12 summits that make up the popular Belknap 12 peak list, making it a common objective for those working through the collection. The trails here wind through pleasant mixed forest typical of the Belknap hills, with the summit and upper slopes providing views of the surrounding lakes and lowlands that define this scenic corner of the state. While the peak does not feature extensive above-treeline exposure, clearings and open areas reward hikers with glimpses of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains beyond. Its manageable elevation and accessible trailheads make it a practical introduction to the Belknap Range for newcomers to the area.
Elevation
1,883 ft
Range
Belknap
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
43.5136, -71.3258
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.