Rowe Mountain is a forested summit in the southern Belknap Range near Gilford, New Hampshire, a compact cluster of peaks rising above Lake Winnipesaukee. At 1,690 feet, it sits at the range's south end, connected by ridge trails to neighboring Gunstock and Belknap mountains. The summit mixes open ledge and woodland, with low-bush blueberries ripening near the top in late summer where enough sunlight reaches through the canopy.
The primary approach is the Mt. Rowe Trail (blue-blazed), which begins at the Gilford Elementary School parking lot and climbs 1,100 feet over 1.83 miles. The path crosses a wetland boardwalk before ascending through mixed deciduous forest and pine. About 1.35 miles up, a southwest-facing opening with two picnic tables delivers views of Lake Winnisquam, Laconia, and distant peaks including Mt. Kearsarge and Mt. Monadnock on clear days. Continuing upward, open ledges offer a look at the northwest face of Gunstock Mountain before the trail reaches the summit ridge. A quieter alternative is the Benjamin Weeks Trail (purple-blazed), which passes the cellar hole of the Benjamin Weeks Mountain House, a farmstead active around 1793.
The trail is accessible year-round, though the steeper old yellow trail variant becomes dangerous when wet or icy. Winter hikers should come equipped with traction devices, as the upper ledges can be exposed and slick.
