[Grant]

Viewed from Wolfeboro, Major is the summit on the far left of the Belknaps. Gunstock, the ski area, is on the right and is recognizable by the network of ski trails.

Major is 1,786 feet high, with an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet. It's the most popular in the Belknaps because it has a rocky summit and the best views of the Lake. Belknap Mountain is the highest of the range, at 2,384

There is an extensive network or trails in the Belknaps. Here's a summary of the popular trails feeding Major:

Main Trail: Take the obvious woods road which leaves the R side of the parking lot as you face the mountain. There are blue blazes but you won't need them to follow the road. Almost within sight of the parking lot, the road forks; either fork is OK but make sure everyone in your party goes the same way if you don't want to waste much of the day looking for them. After the two rejoin, the blue blazes and the Main Trail turn left at another junction about .8 miles from the parking lot. The road becomes a footpath, often with several branches which usually rejoin. There are a number of rock slabs to ascend, and because this trail is on the N side and gets a lot of foot traffic, it may be the iciest route up in cold weather. The trail climbs over a small knoll then steeply up the rocks to the summit. Distance from parking lot: 1.8 miles.
On the return, look for blue blazes dropping off to the NE.
Brook Trail: Follow the Main Trail for .8 miles, then go straight following yellow blazes where the Main Trail turns L. After a dip, the trail follows an old road up along the brook - in wet weather some of the trail seems like a brook, and crossings may be difficult at times of high water. At the col between Straightback and Mt. Major, turn L on the blue-blazed trail to reach the summit. A route up from the S joins from the R shortly beyond. Distance from parking lot: 2.4 miles.
On the return, take the trail heading W toward Mt. Belknap, then go R at the col. Do not take the trail to Straightback Mtn., which does not lead "straight back" to the parking lot.
Boulder Loop: Take the faint snowmobile trail which leaves the L side of the parking lot as you face the mountain. Cross two small bridges within sight of the parking lot, then turn R up the bank next to a boulder and continue up an old woods road which is growing in. At .4 miles from the parking lot, turn R at a fork and switchback uphill. Then the road circles downhill to the L and finally becomes a trail. The trail ascends through a boulder field and comes out on ledges which it follows NW to the summit. Distance from parking lot: 1.8 miles.
On the return, follow the orange blazes along the ledges to the SE.