Join us for a guided hike on the John M. & Eileen R. Weeks Conservation Area and surrounding conserved land on the northwest side of Gunstock Mountain in Gilford. Eileen Weeks and her late husband John loved this land and wanted it conserved. In October of 2020, this 65-acre property was conserved by a joint effort of LRCT and the Town of Gilford Conservation Commission. Surrounded by previously conserved land, this property is one of the last scenic parcels along the west side of Gunstock. Trails have been re-established by the Gilford Conservation Commission and the LRCT.
The hike will be approximately 2.5 miles and is rated as moderate. Russ Wilder and LRCC member Anna Stockman will lead participants on this hike which includes the open field along Belknap Mountain Road, the “Sunset Ledge” (as they called it) with its wonderful view of western New Hampshire high above and the further sweep up to the area of the Gunstock Iron Mine.
Registration: Registration is required for this event. Please complete our Google Form by clicking the “Sign Up” button below. You will receive a confirmation email, which may take 1-3 days.
Additional Information
Trail Description: The trail ascends gently along the old logging road to Ledges which provides an excellent vista from SW to NW, then to the Ridge Trail following a winding path through the woods. 0.8 miles from the parking lot, you will pass the old Iron Mine site circa 1827. A sign here summarizes the history of mining in this area. The Ledges Iron Mine Trail continues above the Iron Mine by a series of switchbacks and sharp pitches emerging onto the Ridge Trail just to the west of an excellent outlook to the northwest. The Ridge Trail then descends moderately in a northerly direction to the junction of Marge’s Trail (Named for Marge Muehlke a neighbor who pioneered this trail). A short path to the right (east) emerges onto the Flintlock ski trail with fine views over Lake Winnipesaukee. Marge’s trail descends northwesterly more steeply over open ledges with several outlooks, soon crossing the lift line of the “Gunstock Ski hoist 1 ” – the original 3,000-foot rope tow on Gunstock. The trail continues descending southwesterly following along the contour and rejoining the Ledges-Iron Mine Trail above Sunset Ledge.
Bring/Wear: Bring plenty of water, snacks and a lunch. Wear hiking boots/appropriate trail footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. Hiking poles, bug spray, sunscreen and a shade hat are recommended.
Cost: All LRCT guided events are free
Children’s Participation: Please check in with us in advance if you are considering bringing young children on a guided excursion to ensure the trip is appropriate for their skill level.
Dog Policy: To ensure the safety and comfort of participants, we are not able to accommodate dogs on our trips.
Cancellation: In the event of inclement weather, you will be notified of the cancellation via email by 5:00pm Thursday, September 15th.
We ask that if you sign up please plan on attending the full length of the event. Because space is limited, please notify mohare@lrct.org or call the office at (603)253-3301 three days before the event if you are unable to attend so that we can extend the opportunity to others. Thank you!
