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Forty-five miles of trails traverse the 5,500 acres of the Castle in the
Clouds property, which has been owned and protected since 2002 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 hikers is available off Route 171
by the information kiosk, just east of the Castle entrance and Severance
Road. A picnic area overlooks Shannon Pond, and nature programs are
offered on selected afternoons. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust is
committed to making the Castle in the Clouds property a resource for
everyone’s education and enjoyment.
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LRCT Interpretive Trail - Beta Version - NOW OPEN
The Lakes Region Conservation Trust’s Education Committee has completed
the initial stages of the new Interpretive Trail along the Oak Ridge
Trail Loop at the Castle in the Clouds. The Interpretive Trail is being
designed for all ages as a hands-on way to learn about the ecology,
history, geology, and unique characteristics of this protected area. It
will be a fun way to learn and explore the outdoors!
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