Mt Shaw, Lake Winnipesaukee NH
• 4-star hikes
• 4-7 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,390 to 2,500 feet
• Moultonborough, NH | Lakes Region
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Black Snout from Tate Mountain viewpoint.
Mount Shaw, at 2,990 feet, is the highest peak in the Ossipee Mountains located just north of New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee. The Ossipee range is a curious circular geological oddity that looks striking when viewed from above on a topographic map. It is in face a ring dike complex - a circular formation resulting from volcanic activity. Millions of years ago, volcanic forces caused the ground to collapse inward and magma filled the fractures, creating the circular pattern visible today. Over time, erosion of the surrounding softer material exposed this geological structure
Though there's little evidence of such geology at ground level, a hike on the primitive trails south of Mount Shaw's peak can still be an exhilarating experience. We recommend a clockwise route that begins with a gradual climb on Mount Shaw Trail that follows the contours of a shaded gully. The route includes a minor rock scramble, and the last part of the trail is moderately steep before reaching the remarkably flat Black Snout Trail that leads to the highest two mountain peaks.
⬤ 4★ Mt Shaw & Black Snout Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
⬤ 4★ Tate Mt Viewpoint
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
You'll encounter your first views on a clockwise route upon reaching the summit of Mount Shaw, which features panoramic northerly views across the range and beyond towards a distant Mount Chocorua. Better views are found at Black Snout with vistas towards Lake Winnipesaukee, but on your descent back to the trailhead the best is yet to come - excellent views in all directions from Tate Mountain. Also known as Big Ball Mountain, this peak has large exposed granite caps which reveal the scale of the summits you've just been hiking, in addition to spectacular photo opportunities towards the lake.
Part of the reason we recommend a clockwise route is because after experiencing the vistas of Tate Mountain, the rest of the summit views feel like an anti-climax. In case you'd like to check out these views without the leg-work of the other taller peaks, we've also included a shorter out-and-back route to the Tate Mountain viewpoint.
Wayfinding on these light trails requires caution.
Wayfinding can be difficult on these lesser-used trails with faint and infrequent blazes and missing junction signs. In the gully on the Mount Shaw Trail there's a washout on the abandoned old road that leads to the narrower section of trail. Also, on the return towards Tate Mountain there are several opportunities to lose the trail entirely. We were very grateful to have GPS positioning and a virtual trail to follow, and wouldn't recommend approaching this route without one.
Mount Shaw is featured as part of the New Hampshire 52 With A View hiking list, which showcases peaks with some the best scenic views in the state. Check out the link at the foot of this article if you'd like to explore the full list, see our map or read our trail reviews from other routes on this list.
Foliage frames a view near Black Snout's summit.
Views across the lake to distant Gunstock & Belknap peaks.
Open views on Tate Mountain (aka Big Ball).
Tangents:
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Mt Shaw & Black Snout
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
NH 52 With A View
Routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with supreme views.
Routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with supreme views.
Rail Trails of New England
The first and only complete rail trail map. With photos, reviews and downloads.
The first and only complete rail trail map. With photos, reviews and downloads.