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![]() This is an out-and-back hike to Mount Shaw and Black Snout in the Ossipee Mountains. Mount Shaw is the highest point in the Lakes Region and both of these destinations offer great views over Lake Winnipesauke and the environs.
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Trail Guide
![]() The pleasantly babbling brook was alongside the trail for most of the first two miles and required a couple stream crossings. There were many small, pretty cascades and pools. The pools weren't really big enough for a swim, but on the way down, one looked so inviting that Dennis and I couldn't resist. So we went for a little dip and despite the fact that the pool was only about 3 feet deep, it was quite refreshing. After leaving the brook, the trail narrows and climbs steeply for about 0.7 mile, and then it meets up with an old carriage road which is Black Snout Trail. Taking a left at this junction would eventually lead you to the actual Castle in the Clouds. We went right, and shortly after that, followed a spur trail on the right that leads to a great outlook from Black Snout which is a knob on the southern flank of Mount Shaw. The trees are such that the best view is obtained by standing; but even sitting, the views are quite good. Pam who has done this trail in the winter, says that the views open up on the way up the trail when the leaves are off the trees. We could see Castle in the Clouds from here (the orangey-red roofs made it easy to spot). Even though it's a drive uphill to visit the castle via car; from our viewpoint, it looked like it was way down at sea level. After eating lunch at this outlook, we continued along the trail that leads to the summit of Mount Shaw. The trail is much covered by grass and the trees alongside it form a light canopy overhead - it really gives a neat feel to the trail and took me back in time - I expected to see horse-drawn carriages coming along the trail at any time. At both the outlook and the summit, the trail went around in a circle - as if to make it easier for the carriages to turn around. Walking along the trail, glimpses of the expansive view can be caught where the growth is more sparse. The summit was much like the outlook, except even more open views - we had a great view of Ossipee Lake from here. The peacefulness and beauty of the trail were further enhanced by the good company I was keeping. This was a special "mystery" hike. Nobody except Pam, the hike leader, knew what mountain we were climbing that day. Pam also encouraged story telling by setting up a special raffle. While we were comfortably sitting upon the outlook spot, we all had to tell a hiking-related story in order to earn a raffle ticket. After the stories were told, she drew the tickets and gave the winners their prizes. ![]() Sal told about a time that he got lost. The trail forked and he and his group decided it was best to follow the route that looked the most traveled. This lead them not back to their car; but to a llama farm. It turns out the trail they followed was well traveled by llamas - not humans. They're used both as pack animals and for their wool. A man at the farm was kind enough to give the weary, lost hikers a ride back to their car. Rachel told about the time she hiked with a group that included Cheryl and Cheryl taunted the whole group for the entire hike saying "I have a surprise for you". The group expected the surprise at the summit but were disappointed to have to be taunted on the descent also. Their disappointment was soon replaced with joy as Cheryl unveiled the ice cream she had stashed away in a cooler in the car. Even though the ice wasn't enough to stop the ice cream from becoming a soupy consistency, it was still a delicious and welcome treat after a hard day of hiking. ![]() |
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![]() The Shaw Trailhead is located in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. From Rt. 16:
From I-93:
Other Notes Mount Shaw and Black Snout are part of the Castle in the Clouds Estate, although the Shaw Trail begins on private land. The main entrance to the estate, and vehicular access to the castle in season, is located 1.7 miles farther west on Rt. 171. The signed driveway is on the right. About Castle in the Clouds Estate Thomas Gustave Plant, having made his fortune in the shoe manufacturing industry, accumulated land in the Ossipee Mountains and from 1913-1914 built a castle that he named "Lucknow". He lived there until his death with his wife, Olive. The 5,420-acre property encompasses about 45 miles of wonderful hiking trails and bridle paths as well as a beautifully maintained castle with magnificent views. The estate has been owned and protected since 2002 by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. ![]() The castle itself is open seasonally. The estate is available for weddings and other special activities. There are also events open to the general public such as a fall festival and an antique car show. Refer to the Castle in the Clouds website for specific details. More Castle in the Clouds Estate Trail Reports |
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