Piper Mountain and Old Piper Trail Loop

The trail is located within the Belknap Mountain Range in Gilford, New Hampshire. While specific trailhead parking details aren't provided, it's generally accessible via the Belknap Mountain State Forest area. Using a navigation app like komoot or AllTrails is recommended to find the most convenient starting point and parking.

This loop is rated as difficult for jogging. You should be prepared for a substantial workout due to significant elevation changes and varied, often rugged, terrain. The Old Piper Trail itself is considered Intermediate to Black Diamond difficulty for hiking, which translates to a challenging jog.

The terrain is quite diverse and demanding. You'll encounter sections with a gently ascending ridge, more steeply ascending wet areas with stepping stones, and numerous rockier sections. Expect to climb over ledges and navigate wide slabs of rock. The trail passes through patches of oak woods and spruce forest. Be aware that it can be slippery when icy or wet, and you'll need to contend with uneven terrain, rocks, and roots. Some parts might also include muddy logging roads or overgrown skid roads.

Joggers are treated to fantastic views of New Hampshire's iconic Lakes Region, including fabulous views of Lake Winnipesaukee and amazing mountain and lake panoramas from the peaks. From various summit ledges, you can enjoy numerous incredible views. The north summit of Piper Mountain is particularly notable for its unique collection of stone benches and chairs created by hikers over the years, as well as rock thrones offering excellent views.

The estimated duration for jogging the Piper Mountain and Old Piper Trail Loop is approximately 50 minutes. However, this is an estimate for jogging, and your actual time may vary significantly based on your fitness level, the challenging terrain, and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Yes, this trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is on a leash and that you follow all local regulations regarding pets on trails.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. After rain, the landscape can appear particularly romantic with gorgeous bright green moss and trickling streams. In summer, you might find blueberries along the way. However, be mindful that the trail can be slippery when wet or icy, so plan accordingly for seasonal conditions. Fall foliage would likely be spectacular.

The trail is located within the Belknap Mountain State Forest. Generally, there are no specific permits required for hiking or jogging on the trails themselves. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Belknap Mountain State Forest website or local Gilford, NH resources for any updated regulations or potential parking fees before your visit.

Yes, the route is part of a larger trail system and intersects with several other paths. You will encounter sections of the Piper Mountain Trail, Old Piper Trail, White Trail, Piper-Whiteface Link, and Round Pond / Piper Link. It also briefly touches on Wayne's Way, Gunstock Mountain Trail, and Vista Trail (yellow).

The north summit of Piper Mountain is known for its unique collection of stone benches, chairs, and rock thrones created by hikers, offering excellent views. For navigation, especially in winter, large cairns are strategically placed on the upper portions of the trail to assist. While the trail system is generally well-signed, using a map or a navigation app like komoot is highly recommended due to the complexity of intersecting paths.

From the various summit ledges, you can expect numerous incredible views. These include fantastic panoramas of New Hampshire's iconic Lakes Region, with particularly fabulous views of Lake Winnipesaukee. You'll also get amazing views of other mountains and lakes, including Manning and Sunset Lakes from specific viewpoints.