Mt. Robert Hike
Warm hearts kept us heated on this frigid hike! Stunning views!!!
The trip report
Written by Bobcat · last updated by Gandalf on Jan 14, 2019
Mt. Roberts
Elevation: 2,582ft
Trails: Mt. Roberts Trail
Elevation Gain: 1,313ft
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Duration: 4 hrs.
Difficulty: Moderate
Warm hearts kept us heated on this frigid hike! Stunning views!!!
With over a foot of fresh snow, our house had huge snowbanks! The view of the Sandwich Range was fantastic. When we woke up the outdoor temperature was two degrees.
Jon and I met up with 6 other members today. The trailhead parking lot is located on Ossipee Park Road off of NH 171. We spotted the gatehouse at the entry as well as the busy bottling plant next to the parking lot.
There was plenty of parking at Castle in the Clouds. We did not realize that Castle in the Clouds in now open on weekends so the road is plowed all the way to the facility. You can now park closer to the trailhead in winter if you go through the gates. We parked at the gate. Only adds another .1-.2 miles.
We started up the Mt. Roberts trail which winds around the barn and pasture. The trail continues past a logging road, then behind the stables along an electric fence.
We thought we would need snowshoes with the recent storm a couple of days ago but I guess the locals hit this trail regularly because it was already packed down. The trail is clearly marked, easy to follow and well maintained. Some of us used snowshoes while others used MicroSpikes. MicroSpikes worked fine.
The elevation gain is gradual and the views from much of the trail of this little mountain are stunning! This trail is also very well marked with oranges blazes. During our ascent, I kept turning back to see the view and snapped photos every opportunity I had. We met several hikers on their descent. It was very sunny but very cold, probably around 15 degrees and a bit breezy.
There were several ledges leading to the summit. At these ledges we stopped to catch our breath as well as snap photos. The "Lookout Point" was a great place to snap photos with its views of Lake Winnipesaukee. And as we neared the summit, the Cairns became frequent. When we reached the summit, we took a group photo. We hung out a bit to take in the view....so breath-taking! We even got to see the top of Mt. Washington!
It was breezy so we decided to drop down to one of the ledges for lunch. It was still breezy this further down so we had an abbreviated lunch.
On the descent, Jon stopped frequently to take in the views, snapping photos along the way. Great winter hike! This hike would be a must any time of year for its steady ascent and breathtaking views.
Back at our house, we sat by the fireplace, gazed at our snow covered Christmas tree on our deck and enjoyed a delicious homemade pizza prepared by Jon.
Report by Mike Boisvert
Pictures by Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand
Event photos (98)
Reactions
Log in to react to this trip report.
About this event
Open ledges that provide grand views of Lake Winnipesaukee and summit has views of the White Mountains! This hike is in the Castle in the Clouds Conservation area that is managed by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.
We will hike the Mt. Roberts Trail for 2.5 miles to the summit. We will return via the same route. We will hike fast enough to stay warm but not sweat.
MUST have MicroSpikes, winter insulated boots, hat, mittens/gloves and winter clothing [NO COTTON]. Snowshoes may be needed if there was a recent snowstorm...we'll let you know. Dress in layers of moisture-wicking clothing. A thermos of hot beverage is nice at the top and hand wamers for your gloves. Ask questions if you're not sure of what to wear.
Comments
No comments yet.
Log in to join the conversation.