2,044 ft | Belknap | 1 route
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Piper Mountain are currently rated Moderate. At 3:20 AM ET it was 36°F at the summit (2,044 ft), feeling like 25°F, with WNW winds at 17 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 Piper Mountain weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Piper-Whiteface Link (0.8 mi)
Feels like 25°F
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Piper Mountain is a low, fully tree-covered peak, but Saturday brings cold temperatures near or below freezing with strong, gusty west-northwest winds. Sunday looks calmer and milder with mainly clear skies, making it the better hiking day. Daylight is limited to about 11 hours, so plan an early start and finish well before sunset.
The trailhead and summit are nearly the same elevation, so conditions barely change along the hike; the freezing level sits near or below the trailhead, so expect frost or ice throughout. Start with a warm base layer plus a wind shell and carry an insulating mid-layer for breaks.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday late morning through early afternoon, when winds should be lighter, skies mainly clear, and temperatures warmer; on Saturday, wait until midday for the best chance of thawed trails and stay alert for wind gusts.
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM 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 2,044 feet in the Belknap Range of central New Hampshire, this moderate summit offers hikers a rewarding outing in the Lakes Region near Gilford and Laconia. As one of the 12 peaks comprising the Belknap 12 peak list, Piper Mountain attracts both casual hikers and those working to complete the full range. The trail network in the Belknap Range State Forest provides a relatively accessible approach, winding through mixed hardwood and conifer forest characteristic of this compact range. While Piper Mountain sits below treeline, hikers may find partial viewpoints depending on the specific route taken. The peak's moderate rating makes it suitable for hikers with basic fitness and experience, though some sections involve rocky footing typical of New Hampshire terrain. Its inclusion in the Belknap 12 gives it particular appeal for peak-baggers exploring this often-overlooked range west of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Elevation
2,044 ft
Range
Belknap
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
43.5038, -71.3777
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
1 incident on file · drawn from NH Fish and Game releases and regional reporting
Kara Stamatelos of Belmont, NH
On June 28, 2023, hiker Kara Stamatelos slipped on wet rocks on the Old Piper Trail on Piper Mountain, suffering a lower-leg injury. Rescue crews from Gilford Fire and Rescue, Lakes Region Search and Rescue, and Conservation Officers carried her approximately half a mile to a trail junction on the Carriage Road. She was transported to a local hospital by ambulance for evaluation.