Gunstock Mountain is an awesome ski destination in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It features incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Ossipee Range and even Mount Washington. If you are looking for some fantastic views in a quick ascent, this is a great option.
Distance: 2.2 Miles Round Trip (1.77 km)
Height: 2,245 feet (684 meters)
Elevation Gain: 1,140 feet (347 meters)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Trails
Gunstock Mountain Trail – 2.2 Miles round Trip – 1,148 Feet Elevation Gain
There are various ways to summit Gunstock, but the most popular and direct route to the summit is the Gunstock Mountain Trail located on Carriage Road in Gilford.
The Gunstock Mountain trail trailhead is located off of Carriage Road in Gilford (directions below), while the brook trail is located at Gunstock Mountain Ski Resort Parking lot.
Other routes include the Brook Trail, the overlook trail, and the ridge trail from Mount Rowe.
Brook Trail – 3.2 Miles Round Trip – 1,270 Feet Elevation Gain
This route begins at the Gunstock Mountain ski area parking and heads up near ski trails and does cross a few. This is an awesome route that features views on the way up, as well as at the summit.
Trail Map
Download Full Map Here:
Alternate Routes
Hikers may also choose to hike Mount Rowe with Gunstock in a 4.7 mile loops.
Directions
To Gunstock Mountain Trailhead
To Brook Trail
Weather Forecast
Laconia, NH
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 58. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday
Rain showers likely after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night
Rain showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday
A slight chance of rain showers before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
Photos Courtesy of Gunnar Stecher
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about