Trip report

GetFit Hike #2: Bald Knob

Hiking/Walk DATE: 05/16/2010 - 05/16/2010

Trip/Event Location: Moultonborough, NH
US

Trip Leader(s): Gandalf

Max # People: 15

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I'm not making any money running this trip

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

If you're looking for a mellow mountain-climbing hike, then this hike to Bald Knob with a rocky promontory that offers excellent views across Lake Winnipesauke to the mountains beyond&

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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

From South and West and I-93: Follow I-93 to Exit 23, then take Rt. 104 east towards Meredith. At end of Rt. 104, turn left (North) on Rte 3.  In 1/2 mile, at lights, turn right (East) onto Rt. 25 and follow into Moultonborough. Turn right onto Rt. 109 South, go 2 miles, then bear left onto Rt. 171. Shortly after the main Castle in the Clouds entrance, there will be a hiker parking lot on the right side of the road. Trailhead is directly across from it. We will be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.

From the South: (Portsmouth, Rochester) and I-95: Take Rt. 16 north. Turn left onto Rt. 171 in Ossipee. Continue on Rt. 171 for approx. 16 miles. Shortly before the main Castle in the Clouds entrance, there will be a hiker parking lot on the left hand side of the road. Trailhead is directly across from it. We will be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.

From the North: Take Rte 16 south to Rt. 25 West in West Ossipee. Turn right onto Rt. 25 West and continue for approx. 10 miles.  In Moultonboro, turn left (South) onto Rt. 109 south, go 2 miles, then bear left onto Rt. 171. Shortly before the main Castle in the Clouds entrance, there will be a hiker parking lot on the left hand side of the road. Trailhead is directly across from it. We will be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

It was a promising start to the hiking season as thirteen members showed up to hike up Bald Knob on the grounds of the Castle in the Clouds. There were lots of familar faces, and we were joined by a few new members.

We started off on a steady uphill along a rushing brook. The Castle was built by an eccentric millionaire in the early 1900's and has many interesting features. He was an immigrant who built a fortune and then lost it all before he died. But we thank him for finding and preserving this beautiful area that we were in.

It was sunny and breezy. We continued on the carriage road which took us up a highpoint where the Bald Knob Cutoff trail began. This trail was more traditional New England hiking than the carriage road we had been on.

We reached the ridgeline with a fine outlook southerly to Lake Winnipesauke. Then the trail led us up and down eventually leading us to the Bald Knob trail, which is another carriage road.

We could see Lake Winnipesaukee through the trees on our right as we approached Bald Knob and made us know that our efforts would be rewarded with a spectacular view. We reached the Knob and we enjoyed a great view of Lake Winnipesauke. The Belknap mountain range and beyond was also in view. There were remains of a wooded stand left over from horseback riding that was once offered at Castle in the Clouds. 

On the return we took a short detour to view the "Falls of Song." Everyone made the 4.2 mile hike and seemed glad to have been able to get out and enjoy spring, trading the breeze for very little bugs.

Afterwards we had dinner on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith.

  There are 35 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)

What Members Are Saying About This Trip/Event

  • At first, I thought it was Mt.Bold Knot but no,it was Bald and it was a fantastic knot!! Thank you Jon and Mike for another great hike (I am keep renewing my list) and thank you all for good company. balding beatuy!! something to think about. - liketodo

Members That Participated

Gandalf

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
JDNnh

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
miabchhome

Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate


Mount Snow, VT


United States
HikerBiker

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Londonderry, NH


United States
liketodo

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Boston, MA


United States
katahdin55

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


PROVIDENCE, RI


United States
freespirit

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Dover, NH


United States
rangerbil

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Andover, MA


United States
Cartman

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Framingham, MA


United States
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