Trip Report/Photos from JDNnh
Mount Shaw is a mountain located in the towns of Moultonborough and Tuftonboro in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It is part of the remains of an ancient volcanic ring dike -- one of two that exists in NH. With a summit elevation of 2,990 feet, it is the highest of the Ossipee Mountains.
It is within the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area and can be reached through their extensive network of hiking trails built on old roads and carriage paths. Ironically, unlike the great number of lower mountains in the Ossipee Range with extensive open ledges, Mt. Shaw is entirely forested all the way to the summit. A clearing on the carriage road that leads to the summit is what provides it with a magnificent view of the White Mountains, as well as a place on the 52-With-a-View list.
We parked by Shannon Pond and began a gradual ascent on a trail that merged with wide switchbacking carriage roads. The views over Lake Winnipesauke to the Belnap Range and Gunstock Ski Area are impressive. The trail is well marked with plenty of signs and blazes. Print a map of the area as it will come in handy with the many junctions and cross over trails that lead to other summits and knobs.
We encountered a rare phenomenon in a brook. An ICE ANGEL had formed on a branch in the water. I've only encountered this twice over many hears of hiking. This was clearly an auspicious good omen for our day on Mt Shaw!
When we finally arrived on the 2900' summit of Mt Shaw, we were rewarded with grand views of a snow clad Mt Washington along with dozens of other mountains. The view was one to savor while we ate lunch! The entire hike is 8 miles round trip and took us 5 hours. There are many other peaks to check out on the ring dike - Bald Knob, Mt Roberts, Mt Faraway, Turtleback and Black Snout.
