Mount Rowe is part of the Belknap Range, located next to Gunstock Mountain and has a big radio tower perched on top. There are a few trails that can get you to the top and the one we chose was "The Blue Trail", better known coincidentally enough as the Mount Rowe Trail.
Map at the beginning of the trail.
The trail starts out behind the Gilford Elementary School and follows the Nature Trail across the foot bridge and into the woods. Once in the woods the two trails separate, Red markers for the Nature Trail, Blue for Mount Rowe.
Starting out on The Blue Trail
The trail is well maintained by the Belknap Range Trail Tenders and is really well marked. It is very easy to follow, and has plenty along the way to hold one's interest. So it was that Chunk & I embarked on this trail to see what it would have in store for us. We hadn't gone very far before we came to the location of the old Benjamin Weeks Mountain House. Only the cellar holes exist now, there are two of them, and we stopped for a photo op.
Chunk Sitting between the two cellar holes
We stayed long enough to read the sign, look at the holes and then we were on our way again. We hadn't gone too much further when to my surprise a rabbit (snowshoe hare) took off in front of us. I quickly hupped (sit) Chunk and he complied but I'm sure he thought I was crazy. He wanted that rascally rabbit really bad. I gave it time to get away then heeled Chunk until we were well clear of the area.
Further up the trail are a series of switch-backs which help with the elevation. We followed them until we came upon what looked to be picnic area, with a fire pit which Gerron would LOVE, and a couple of "stand around" tables with views.
We continued on the switch-backs until we came to the "Ridge Trail", with white markers, which lead to the summit. The rain was starting to pick up a little but not so much as to hinder our climb. I had to watch my footing on the rocks but Chunk didn't have any problem.
The Earth Scope Plate Boundary Observation/GPS Station
When we reached the summit we didn't stay long as the rain and wind had picked up and it was spitting snow. We moved up the trail to get a look at the communications tower since we were there.
Very ugly but great reception
I did manage to get a shot of Chunk at the end of the trail.
Here are some views from the Summit. You can see the Gunstock Mountain Welcome Center down below and part of the mountain itself with some snow left on top.
And of course, yours truly
But like I said we didn't linger long up there. I don't tend to hang around the summits much anyway, maybe long enough to have some water and then be on our way. I tend to subscribe to G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown character, where he says, "One sees great things from the valley, only small things from the peak". So after a few quick pics we were on our way down. Chunk & I deliberated on which trail to take back and decided that all things considered we should return the way we came. Back to the Blue Trail it was then but the surprises weren't over.
While we were headed down, we came to an area where Chunk started acting VERY "birdy". A rather large turkey started running along the forest floor and Chunk wanted to go after it soooooo bad. But I hupped him until the turkey was out of sight then walked him at heel to me until I was confident that it would no longer be a concern.
I will admit, that all in all I was really pleased with Chunk's manners on both the rabbit and the turkey, not to mention throughout the entire hike. Eventually we made it back to the car without further excitement and headed for home. It was a wonderful hike and a great day.
Here is a link to Mount Rowe Trail Info:
Mount Rowe Trail Info
Here is a link to Mount Rowe Trail Info:
Mount Rowe Trail Info
Enjoy,
Ken
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