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Hiking
Twenty-eight miles of trails traverse the 5,500 acres of the Castle in
the Clouds property and are maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation
Trust. This landmark property is part of the Ossipee Mountain ring dike, a circular formation of volcanic origin nine
miles in diameter whose impenetrable terrain has discouraged roads and
settlement for hundreds of years and has preserved a true wilderness
habitat for a wide range of wildlife and vegetation, including several
rare and endangered species. Seven of the Ossipee Mountains’ most
prominent peaks are on the Castle property, including two of the most
popular hiking destinations in the region — Mt. Shaw, the highest at 2,975
feet, with its panoramic view of the White Mountains to the north, and
Bald Knob, with its spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee to the
southwest. The trails, many of which were originally built by Tom Plant as
carriage roads, are well maintained, marked, and mapped, with options for
every hiking ability.
Parking for hiking
is available off Rt. 171 almost opposite the Castle in the Clouds main
entrance and just east of Severance Road. Parking is also available in
the recently expanded LRCT upper parking lot at the top of Ossipee Park
Road. A picnic area for hikers and other Castle visitors overlooks
Shannon Pond. |
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