Guided Hike: Belknap Woods Trail

Ready to explore the scenic northern end of the Squam watershed? Join Diego and the LRCC team for an immersive winter trek through Belknap Woods. This 1.9 mile loop offers a gentle yet beautiful journey through diverse forest landscapes and important wetland habitats, providing a unique look at the region's quiet winter beauty.

Please arrive at the Belknap Woods trailhead with a positive spirit, plenty of water/snacks, and your full winter hiking kit, including traction. Because parking is limited at this trailhead, we strongly encourage participants to carpool from the Squam Lakes Association building. If you're interested in carpooling or following the LRCC guides from the SLA building, please meet us there 20 minutes prior to the program start time." We look forward to seeing you out on the trail!

Check out the 'what to bring' section below for more details.

Participants should be sure to have appropriate attire and layering for winter hiking. Extra layers, food/water, water resistant hiking boots, and snowshoes and/or microspikes may be needed depending on conditions. The SLA can provide snowshoes & microspikes if needed. Other snow hiking gear may be available upon request.

Not sure what to pack? Check out our Winter Day Hiking Checklist for some ideas. Feel free to reach out to the SLA with any questions!

Diego Bautista Torres, who recently pivoted toward a career in environmental conservation, joined the Lakes Region Conservation Corps with a background in music production. After serving with AmeriCorps in the American Conservation Experience, he is eager to bring his technical skills and public speaking experience to the Squam Lakes Association. As an Education and Outreach Assistant, Diego looks forward to protecting the watershed through community engagement, scientific monitoring, and hands-on conservation work.

452 NH-25B, Center Harbor, NH 03226

Belknap Woods is owned and managed by the Squam Lakes Association. Other partners include The Squam Lakes Conservation Society holds the conservation easement. The trails feature two loops of 1.0 miles each. The Beaver Pond Loop travels around a beaver pond where wildlife is abundant. The Outer Loop, accessible from 0.5 miles around the Beaver Pond Loop Trail, climbs over hills and valleys for a pleasant forest Walk. The Pond Trail and Ski Trail are short connector trails in Belknap Woods that offer gradual terrain for cross-country skiing in the winter, and hiking in the warmer months.