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BELKNAP COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S ASSOCIATION

OFFICIAL BELKNAP RANGE HIKER CHECK OFF LIST

Name ______________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________

Phone __________________________ E-Mail____________________________ Age (when finished) _____

(optional)                                                   (optional)                                                       (optional)

 

1. ____ ROWE: 1690 ft.                         Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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2. ____ GUNSTOCK 2250 ft.               Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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3. ____ BELKNAP 2382 ft.                   Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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4. ____ PIPER 2044 ft.                           Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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5. ____WHITEFACE 1664 ft.                Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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6. ____ MACK 1945 ft.                         Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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7. ____ KLEM 2001 ft.                          Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes *_________________________

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8. ____ RAND 1883 ft.                          Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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9. ____ ANNA 1670 ft.                          Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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10. ___ QUARRY W. 1894 ft.               Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* ________________  ________

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11. ___ STRAIGHTBACK S. 1890 ft.   Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* _________________________

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12. ___ MAJOR 1786 ft.                        Date Hiked_____________ Hike Notes* __________________________

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*In hike notes section please include such information as: trail conditions (most helpful), hike companions, weather,

  wildlife observed, etc.  Although not required, we would love to have photos of your adventures in the Belknaps.

                                            

                                               HELPFUL INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS

In order to receive your “Belknap Range Hiker” patch you must hike all 12 mountains listed and fill out the

official “check off list” form.  If we can not read your name and address we won’t be able to send you a patch. 

Send the completed form along with $5.00 (to cover the cost of the patch and postage) to:

 

Don Watson   BCSA Hike Program 12 Foxglove Road      Gilford,      NH      03249

(please make checks payable to: BCSA)

 

The patch is awarded on the honor system.  You may hike these mountains in what ever order you wish and there

 is no time limit for completing them (unless this program is terminated for some unforeseen reason in the future).

 

                                                        MAPS AND BOOKS

You will absolutely need a good trail map to find and navigate the many and often confusing trails in the Belknap Range. 

Also, many of the mountains have local names that are not shown on USGS topographic maps.  The very best maps

were created by Dave Roberts and can be obtained from:

Gilford Public Library 524-6042

They generally have a good supply of maps available for a modest fee (to cover the cost of printing).

Gilman Library in Alton 875-2550

They have a master map that you can photocopy

In the book “Stepping Stones Across New Hampshire” by Jay Long with maps by Dave Roberts

An outstanding book about the geology of the Belknap Range with excellent Dave Roberts trail map

Can be ordered from: Enfield Publishing 632-7377   www.enfieldbooks.com

As of January 2006 this book’s price was $19.95 plus $4.00 shipping

Also available for loan from the Gilford or Wolfeboro library

 

There are several other books that offer good descriptions of many of the trails although the maps are poor or non-existent. 

They can be purchased at outdoor stores like EMS and some are available for loan from the Gilford library.

 

“Discover Southern New Hampshire” by Monkman.  AMC books

“AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide”

“50 Hikes in the White Mountains 6th edition” by Doan.  Backcountry Guides

“Hiking New Hampshire 2nd edition” by Pletcher.  Falcon Guide

“Hikers Guide to the Mountains of New Hampshire 2nd edition” by Gange. Huntington Graphics

 

                                                                            SAFETY

It is extremely important that you have a map and compass and the ability to use them when hiking in the

Belknap Mountain Range.  There are many unofficial private trails and old logging roads that can be confusing. 

Also, summer vegetation and winter snow can make some of the less used trails difficult to follow.  Trail heads and

 intersections can be obscure and have no signs.  Several peaks have multiple trails leaving from the top which may

not lead where you want to go.  Know where you are going and how to return!  Wear appropriate clothing for the

season in layers.  Carry a whistle, flashlight, rain coat and extra food, water and clothing in a daypack.  Some

trails can be very challenging, leading up and over ledges and down very steep pitches.  These should be avoided in

wet and slippery conditions.  Expect packed snow and ice in the winter.  Use snowshoes with “teeth”, crampons or

other aggressive traction cleats.

 

                                                                         ETIQUETTE

The Belknap Mountains are an interesting mix of public and mostly private land.  To a large extent, it is the generosity

of private land owners that allow us to enjoy the Belknaps.  Please treat the parking areas, trails, and mountains with the

utmost care and respect.  Practice low impact, pack it in pack it out, ethics. Generally, it is day use only and no fires or

overnight camping is allowed.  The health of the Belknaps, and your access to them, depend upon you!

HAVE FUN AND GOOD LUCK

                            For more information visit our website at www.belknapsportsmensclub.co