If you're looking for a moderate mountain-climbing hike, then this hike to Mt. Shaw with spectacular views from the Lakes Region tallest peak may be just what you had in mind.

It's elevation is 2,990 feet. Mount Shaw is the highest point of the Ossipee Mountains, a volcanic ring dike lying between Ossipee, Squam, and Winnipesaukee Lakes. Much of the W flank of the mountain is covered with carriage roads of the former Plant estate, better known as Castle in the Clouds and now owned by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. 

This is a great hike that will let us explore a number of the Lakes Region's Conservation Trust trails, views of Lake Ossipee, and surrounding mountains. We also like it because the length of this hike at 9.5 miles will test the endurance of our GetFit hikers. However the total elevation is moderate at 1,450'.

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. 

We'll first follow the Lower Bridle Path [green blazes], which begins to the left just behind the Shannon Pond Kiosk, to the Faraway Mountain Trail [orange blazes]. We'll take a short "detour" to a lookout called Bridal Path Peak which offers nice views of the northern end of Lake Winnesaukee. We'll turn left and head north until we reach the junction with the Upper Bridle Path [green blazes].  We'll turn right and follow this trail to the Oak Ridge Cutoff [white blazes]. We'll eventually reach the blue-blazed High Ridge Trail to the summit of Mt. Shaw. We'll follow the same trails downs about 3/4 of the way back and then hook up with the Oak Ridge Lookout to appreciate the scenic overview over Lake Winnipesaukee that we enjoyed on the First GetFit hike. 

After the hike: We'll have a casual meal lakeside at "The Docks" outdoors along the shore of Lake Winnipesauke in Meredith.  

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

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. Look for the Ossipee Park Road which is approx. 1 mile on left. If you've reached the Castle in the Clouds entrance you've gone too far. Read Ossipee Park Road Directions further below.

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. Ossipee Park Road will be on your right about 1 miles past the Castle in the Clouds entrance. Read Ossipee Park Road Directions further below.

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. Look for the Ossipee Park Road which is approx. 1 mile on left. If you've reached the Castle in the Clouds entrance you've gone too far. Read Ossipee Park Road Directions further below.

Ossipee Park Road Directions:  Drive up Ossipee Park Road to the hiker parking area on the right just outside the back gate of the Castle grounds. We will be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.