20's and 30's Belknaps Moderate Hike with a Scientific Learning Opportunity
Details
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Meredith Kraner, Anna Goodheart, Linden Hayes, Chao Xie
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001hkv3
Register By: 10/24/2025
Audience: 20’s & 30’s
Description: The Belknap Range region of southern New Hampshire is a great location to experience the terrain and flora of the higher peaks and is a great work-up to peaks in the White Mountains. On this trip we plan to summit Gunstock and Rowe, with the option of adding on Belknap for a total of 5-7 miles with up to 2000ft of elevation gain at a moderate pace (1.5 - 2 mph). We will catch the end of fall and may get a taste of the last bits of foliage.
On our trip we will learn from scientist Meredith Kraner about a high-precision GPS monitoring station (funded by your tax dollars) we will pass along the ridge line that is used for a tracking a whole host of geophysical phenomenon. Did you know that this measurement station is used by scientists to measure the tectonic movement of the earth in California and can also inform scientists about seasonal water fluctuations? That and more to be discussed!
Gear Please be advised that late October in NH can be quite chilly. Because of this gloves, hat, rain jacket, and an extra insulating layer are mandatory. Please plan to be standing on top of a ridge-line for the scientific demonstration for up to 20 minutes.
Important items (required) Hiking boots or trail runners with traction sole. Water bottles/containers, hydration bladder At least 2 liters of water Multiple layers of non-cotton clothing An extra insulating layer beyond a baselayer A change of dry clothes (if needed on the trail or for after the hike) Hat Gloves Rain gear (mandatory rain jacket) Lunch and high energy snacks Flashlight / headlamp with extra batteries Personal medications: For example, an inhaler (asthma), Epi-pen (allergies), ibuprofen, etc. Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, etc) Backpack big enough to hold all of your items Recommended: Camera Trekking poles Bandana Map and compass Personal first aid kit Whistle Carpool We will send out a google sheet to help coordinate carpool for which we will pre-populate using the questions at registration. As a common courtesy, please reach out to participants offering rides as far in advance of the trip as possible. This is so participants looking for rides have enough time to arrange logistics with those offering to drive. We encourage carpooling because it is fun and it helps the environment. We suggest that carpoolers meet at a central location (i.e. a train station) to minimize driving if many people have to be picked up.
Map You can find the official map here: https://belknaprangetrails.org/belknap-range-trail-map/ . A paper map can be purchased here: https://lrct.org/shop .
Weather We will be monitoring the weather as the day of the hike approaches. If the weather dictates a cancellation or postponement, we will send an email by 4pm the day before. NOAA Forecast
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!