Trip report

Great Ossipee (Mt Shaw) Hike

Hiking/Walk DATE: 05/05/2012 - 05/05/2012

Trip/Event Location: tuftonboro, NH
US

Trip Leader(s): jonathanclark

Max # People: 12

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous

Please join us for a favorite early spring hike to the summits of Black Snout (2803') and Mt Shaw (2990'), highest "peaks" in the Ossipee Mountains. The overall moderate roundtrip is 7.6

...
Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

 The Shaw Trailhead is located in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire.

 

From Rt. 16:

  • From Rt. 16 in Ossipee, take Rt. 171 west (Old Granite Road which turns into Mountain Road after crossing route 28).
  • The trailhead is 9.7 miles west of the junction of routes 171 and 28.
  • There's a small parking area on the right (north) side of the road, just before a bridge over Fields Brook; on the other side of the bridge on the left side of the road is Sodom Road which you can use as a "you've just missed the trailhead" marker.
  • There are no trailhead signs.


From I-93:

  • Take exit 23 off of I-93 and follow Rt. 104 east for about 8 miles until it ends in Meredith.
  • Turn left onto Rt. 3 and go about 0.8 mile to a traffic light just beyond the public docks.
  • Turn right onto Rt. 25 and travel 10.1 miles passing through Moltonborough village.
  • Turn right onto Rt. 109 and go 2.2 miles.
  • Turn left onto Rt. 171 east and follow it for 3.9 miles.
  • You will pass Sodom Road on the right, immediately cross a bridge over Fields Brook, then you should immediately turn left into the small trailhead parking area.
  • There are no trailhead signs.

 

 


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

On Saturday, May 5th, Jonathan, George, Drew, Dave, Ron, Gil, John, Kevin & Sonny met up at the Shaw trailhead in Tuftonboro. With Sonny, our canine scout & trail leader forging the way, we were on the Mt Shaw trail by around 10:30am to embark on the highest peak in the Ossipee mountain range. The first mile was a peaceful, fairly wide path made up of an easy grade with good footing that followed the Fields Brook to our left. After a few stream crossings and some varied terrain, the trail began to narrow and climb steeply for about .7 miles before reaching the Black Snout Trail, an old carriage road that leads from the Castle in the Clouds. After banking a right for .2 miles we took the.3 mile Spur Trail that leads to Black Snout (2803’), a knob on the southern flank of Mt Shaw. A fantastic overlook with outstanding views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding terra, we paused here for a while for a ‘drop pack & snack’ and some good conversation. We then continued around the circular carriage road to the summit of Mt Shaw (2990’) via the High Ridge Trail for .5 miles and arrived at our destination at around 12:30pm. Here we were greeted by ever so slightly filtered views of the White Mountains to the north as well as well as a clear view of Ossipee Lake to the east. Peaceful, wind-free and amidst a harmonious group vibe, we hung out on the summit for about an hour to eat lunch, relax and soak in the sunshine. After acquiring the coveted ‘summit buzz’, we circled back around the carriage road to retrace our paths for descent. We took our time, intermingled and inhaled the smells of spring. Once we reached the steep turnoff down the Shaw Trail, the group spread out a bit, but rejoined at a gorgeous waterfall on Fields Brook, just after the final stream crossing. By 3:45pm we were back to the parking area where we decided to meet up at the Whittier House in West Ossipee for a drink and a snack before going about on our way. Some had met up at Jonathan’s on Ossipee Lake for dinner. A special thanks to all who joined in on this annual early season hike in the Ossipee range. It was a pleasure seeing old friends and meeting new faces. See you boys next time!!!

- The Trip Has No Photos -

Members That Participated

jonathanclark

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Hartford, CT


United States

Attended
dpbyrnes

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Ipswich, MA


United States

Attended
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