| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Gunstock Mountain, Belknap Mountain, Piper Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gunstock Mountain Trail, Ridge Trail, Brook Trail, Saddle Trail, Blue Trail, White Trail, Old Piper Trail, Piper-Whiteface Link, Piper Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, July 26, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Few spots available along the Carriage Road at 1:45 PM, at the trailhead for the Gunstock Mountain Trail. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No crossings to speak of, except for a bridged stream near the bottom of the Piper Mountain Trail. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in outstanding shape, as usual in the Belknap Range. Clearly defined corridors, vivid blazing, and not a single blowdown. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
All of these trails would be excellent for dogs, though no water sources en route. |
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 | Bugs: |
We sprayed at the trailhead, and they didn't bother us at all during the hike. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Scenic and interesting loop going clockwise to the summits of Gunstock, Belknap, and Piper, with a short out-and-back to the south summit of Piper Mtn. before returning down the Piper Mountain Trail. Nice views, even if somewhat obscured by haze, from the Gunstock and Piper summit areas. The most appealing view around Belknap Mtn. came from the signs warning of mortal peril from falling ice. After the steep initial climb on the Gunstock Mountain Trail, the remainder of the ascents were much more mellow. All of the boulders and rock slabs were dry, and there was plenty of soft footing on pine needles and dry soil as well. Route details below on Unnecessary Climb. |
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 | Name: |
Jason |
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 | E-Mail: |
kurlando7@hotmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-07-29 |
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 | Link: |
 https://unnecessaryclimb.wordpress.com/gunstock-belknap-piper-loop/ |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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