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If you’re looking for a casual hike on a pretty trail, check out Mt. Rowe, part of the Belknap Range near Gilford, New Hampshire. It’s roughly four miles but the elevation gain isn’t much, so it would be a great beginner hike and can be found on AllTrails. The trailhead starts at Gilford Elementary School and there is plenty of parking available.
I’ve done this hike both in the summer and in the early fall. There were a few different routes you could take to the summit. Both times I’ve done this hike I’ve utilized the Blue and Yellow trails. I prefer going up the Yellow trail and coming down the Blue as the Blue trail is more gradual and easier on the knees. To get to the summit, you’ll connect to another trail called the Ridge trail. Be cautious because mountain bikers also use this trail!
When I did the hike with my friend Liz in the summer of 2022, she made us the cutest Char-VIEW-terie board to eat at the summit and she brought us each a can of rosé to drink, which were kept cool in large tube sock “coozies”. It was the best way to enjoy the summit!
From the top there are nice views of some lakes and you may be able to see (and hear) people ziplining below at Gunstock. When I visited in the summer, I saw a couple of bald eagles soaring by. Both times I’ve gone I haven’t seen many other hikers, so if you’d like a trail that’s not busy, this would probably be a good choice.
🥾 Approximately 3.7 miles round trip
⛰️ Approximate elevation gain of 980 feet
🌲 Easy to moderate, depending on fitness level
💰 Free!
🦮 Dogs allowed
🚽 Porta-potty available at trailhead
Overall it’s pleasant hike and I enjoyed myself both times that I’ve done it. I think Mt. Rowe probably gets overlooked because there are so many other larger mountains in New Hampshire but I’d still recommend it, especially if you are a beginner!
Do you feel inspired to make your own char-view-terie board for your next hike? Let me know below if you’re going to try it!
📍I acknowledge the lands mentioned in this post are the ancestral lands of the Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy) and N’dakina (Abenaki / Abénaquis) people.
The Adventures of Suze 
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