Eastern Belknap Loop [12/12/21]

Distance: 10.0 mi

Elevation gain: 2896 ft

Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/circuit-of-eastern-belknap-range

Description

The Belknap Ridge is a series of mountain peaks in southern New Hampshire. Summiting 12 of those peaks will earn you the Belknap Ridge Patch. They are sometimes divided into two groups, Eastern and Western. This trip we will climb to 7 of the Eastern peaks. For some of us that will earn us the much coveted patch. The peaks are: N Straightback, W Quarry, Rand, Klem, Mack, Anna, and Major.

You should join this trip if...

1) You have recent hiking experience in the White Mountains or Adirondacks; please, if you've never hiked before in either of those ranges, do not join. And by hike, I mean at least 1,500 ft elevation gain and 5 miles. This is not an introductory hike; do not treat it as such.

2) You have taken a winter hiking class or have winter hiking experience

3) You have all of the mandatory gear listed below

4) 1.5 mph average pace does not seem killer to you

Additional expectations

1) I am not a guide and this is not a service - I expect you to be fully prepared with the gear listed below and the mindset that you could get yourself out of trouble if needed.

2) Have a digital or paper map and know how to read it. Some of these trails are not used often and blazes may be infrequent.

3) We stick together - this is a group event, so if you feel that you are not flexible in working as a team, this will not be a good hike for you.

4) You can be turned away from carpool or the trailhead if you look/seem unprepared.

5) Showing up without registering on Ridj-it with a profile and then actually signing up for the trip is a safety hazard and will get you banned. Do not message to join in any alternative manner.

6) Don't make must-attend plans for after the adventure; nobody will be rushing back to Boston.

7) Expect to head out to a restaurant afterwards to eat.

Please answer the following questions before/when you join unless your Ridj-it profile is amazing

1. When were your last three hikes? How many miles were they? How much elevation gain?

2. What does your weekly exercise routine look like?

3. Do you have all of the gear marked as required below?

Mandatory gear (yes, mandatory)

1) Waterproof winter hiking boots (no trail runners or summer hiking boots)

2) Microspikes; Absolutely no tiny studs or anything that does not have multiple sharp pointed edges.

3) Gaiters

4) Waterproof and windproof shells for core and pants

5) Layered clothing system; no cotton

6) Insulated jacket (puffy - down or synthetic)

7) Hat

8) Winter Gloves

9) Headlamp with extra batteries or another headlamp (days are much shorter)

10) 2 liters of water or water treatment method

11) Snacks and lunch ~2000 calories.

12) Extra clothing to change into after

13) I will make the call about snowshoes once the date gets closer; they can be rented on the way up as well

Eastern Belknap Loop

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