Mount Roberts & Faraway Mountain Loop

A spectacular display of why Castle in the Clouds got its name today. Dense fog and humidity were thankfully tempered by the much cooler than expected temps for the ascent up Mount Roberts. Not much standing water on the trail but made up for by some aggressive blackfly and mosquito swarms. Going to have a fresh crop of welts even with a healthy coat of bug spray.

Generally an easy trail but with the added distance of Faraway Mountain in the loop and the half day duration planned, pace was quick. 10.25 miles with 1815’ of elevation gain combined in 4 hours 11 minutes to complete the trail just after 1pm.

Overall trail conditions were dryer than expected, but if you’ve hiked the ridge trails in this range, “dry” is a relative term. Dozen or so larger mud puddles but all were easy to traverse and remain dry.  Plenty of blazes and well-worn path. Has been interesting to watch the trail weather over the pandemic with increased traffic. Normally this trail has amazing views from the ledges most of the way up Roberts, but we unfortunately didn’t make it out of the cloud bank until we were halfway down Faraway Mountain. So, our views were … lots of gray.

Ascending, we started up Mount Roberts Trail through forest floor and lots of roots and rocks, a few sets of ledges, and back to the green tunnel to the summit where to stopped for a quick group photo and water break, then proceeded down High Ridge Trail to Faraway Mountain trail to cut over to Faraway’s cell tower for a second water break and quick snack. Returning to High Ridge Trail to until we picked up Faraway Ridge Trail for our descent. Criss-crossed the same little stream a dozen times or so but all just a hop, skip, or jump over the water. Tons of birds and frogs made for an amazing forest sound track for the day’s trek.

We deviated from the planned route near the end of the hike to avoid the 1 ish mile road walk and remain in the woods. Taking Cold Spring Trail the last mile to rejoin Mount Roberts Trail we came in on. And as it always seems to happen, as we were coming out of the woods at the trail head the weather was warm, sunny, and gorgeous while we sat and had some lunch next to Shannon Pond.  I bet the afternoon views of Lake Winnipesaukee were epic from the ledges…

Mount Roberts & Faraway Mountain Loop is a 9.2 mile loop in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. The ledges have expansive views and variable 5-15% grades. Expecting 4-5 hours plus time for lunch at Mount Roberts summit. Ascending Mount Roberts with mixed forest floor and several open ledges with expansive views. Then descending from Faraway Mountain via the carriage trails into the valley with mostly forest floor and generally easy grades. Lunch is best at the last ledge of Roberts or the summit for best views, but TBD by group day of the hike and timing.

Come prepared with appropriate attire for Spring Mixed Conditions, including wind/rain shell, warm layers, and well broken in footwear suited for rocky ledges, roots, loose rocks, and mud. Please bring desired food, snacks, and enough water to complete the trail, there are a few easy streams to cross for water sources to draw from on this trail. 

Day Hiking Essentials Checklist

Post hike drinks & food, to be decided day of from available options. Please propose options in event chat if you have recommendations.