1,664 ft | Belknap | 1 route
As of October 16, 2026
Trail conditions on Whiteface Mountain (Gilford) are currently rated Moderate. At 8:40 PM ET it was 57°F at the summit (1,664 ft), feeling like 51°F, with WSW 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 Whiteface Mountain (Gilford) weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Whiteface Trail (Blue) (1.4 mi)
Feels like 51°F
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Whiteface (Gilford) is a low, fully below-treeline peak, but Saturday brings a sharp cooldown with a high near 42°F, a low near 30°F, and breezy conditions. Recent rain plus a freezing overnight low means wet, slippery rock, roots, and leaf litter, with possible frost or isolated icy patches on exposed ledges in the morning. Daylight is limited to about 11 hours, so start early and carry a headlamp.
The trailhead and summit are at nearly the same elevation, so conditions are similar throughout, with wind chill near 31°F at both. Wear layers you can adjust (base layer, insulating mid-layer, windproof shell) since you'll warm up climbing but chill quickly at rest. The freezing level is far above the peak, so any ice would come from overnight cold on the ground rather than altitude.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday late morning through early afternoon offers the best conditions: clear skies, a high near 51°F, 0% precipitation, and drier trails. If hiking Saturday, wait for late morning to let frost melt, finish well before sunset, and expect colder, windier conditions.
Last synthesized Oct 16, 8:40 PM ET
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30°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 30°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.
Located in Gilford near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, this 1,664-foot summit is one of the more accessible peaks in the Belknap Range. The relatively short and straightforward trail makes it a popular choice for hikers of all experience levels, earning its Easy difficulty rating. The summit and upper slopes offer rewarding views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding Lakes Region landscape, with the Sandwich Range and White Mountains visible on clear days. As one of the Belknap 12 peaks, it draws hikers working to complete this regional peak-bagging list. The mountain's modest elevation and well-maintained trails make it an excellent introduction to the Belknap Range, while still delivering a satisfying outing with genuine scenic payoff. Its proximity to the lake community gives it a distinctly New Hampshire Lakes Region character that sets it apart from more remote summits.
Elevation
1,664 ft
Range
Belknap
Difficulty
Easy
Coordinates
43.4885, -71.3865
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.