Manchester, NH: Mt. Major Loop
Take this easy 3.8-mile loop for soaring views over one of New Hampshire's most famous lakes.
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Car-size boulders dot the approach trail to Mt. Major’s 1,786-foot summit, which overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee’s island-speckled expanse. Take it all in on this 3.8-mile, beginner-friendly loop.
Miles from city center: 45
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.1
Waypoints
MAJ001
Location: 43.519329, -71.273354
Two trailheads start from parking area–choose Boulder Loop Trail (on SW end) and start SW climb
MAJ002
Location: 43.514568, -71.277649
Bear R; orange-blazed trail winds S and traverses wooded slopes
MAJ003
Location: 43.509769, -71.278969
Trail curves SW for continued uphill trek
MAJ004
Location: 43.508919, -71.285019
Turn R, climbing N. Ahead, traverse open ledges to gain Major?s summit
MAJ005
Location: 43.513531, -71.287216
Mt. Major (1,786 ft.): Ledgy summit is perfect for taking in views of wooded isles that speckle Lake Winnipesaukee’s azure waters. Haze-free days reveal White Mtns. rising faintly behind lake. Next, descend (SW) on trail
MAJ006
Location: 43.512344, -71.28907
Stay R @ Y, descending W on rock ledges (trail on L leads to col between Mt. Major and Straightback Mtn.)
MAJ007
Location: 43.512375, -71.294662
Continue descent, heading N away from col
MAJ008
Location: 43.516853, -71.29554
Path leads NE down a ravine, paralleling a brook
MAJ009
Location: 43.523033, -71.288536
Turn R (E) @ T onto road running through woods
MAJ010
Location: 43.522167, -71.281197
Contour E and cross small saddle
MAJ011
Location: 43.521786, -71.278664
Stay straight @ 3-way, then begin final descent to finish loop