Trailspotting California, New England, New Hampshire and More

Bald Knob & Turtleback Mt, NH

• 4-star hikes
• 5 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,320 to 1,510 feet
• Moultonborough, NH | Lakes Region
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A person stands atop a rocky outcrop, overlooking an expansive forested landscape. They wear a red shirt, gray pants, a black cap, and a backpack. The terrain below consists of rolling hills covered in a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, stretching into the horizon. The sky is a clear blue with a few scattered clouds, reinforcing the sense of openness and tranquility. The scene evokes an outdoor adventure, possibly a hiking excursion, with the individual appearing contemplative as they take in the view.

Northerly Mt Shaw views from Turtleback Mt.

The sound of cascading water accompanied us from the very start. Unlike many trails that begin with a long, mundane approach, the Bald Knob-Turtleback loop in New Hampshire's Ossipee Mountains immediately immerses visitors in natural splendor.

We begin our journey at Castle In The Clouds, a historic estate once owned by a nineteenth-century industrialist. After changing hands and being closed to the public for years, this natural treasure was secured by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust in 2002, ensuring public access for generations to come. Unlike many trails in the lakes region that close during mud season, these paths remain accessible year-round.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Bald Knob & Turtleback Mt 8.1 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,510 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Bald Knob Out & Back 4.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,320 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

For the best experience, we highly recommend taking the loop counter-clockwise, starting with the Brook Walk trail. This section serves as a destination in its own right as it follows Shannon Brook, rewarding visitors with seven distinct waterfalls within a relatively short distance. Water tumbles over ancient rock formations, creating peaceful pools between cascades. The journey culminates at the Fall of Song, where the brook has cut out a narrow gorge in the landscape.

From here, we head towards the to the Bald Knob Cutoff Trail. Though this section of the route marks its steepest section, almost all hikers will find the climb to be moderate at worst. Halfway up this path, an interpretive sign marks "Columnar Jointing" where you can take a moment to observe the honeycomb patterns in the rock face. These geological formations mirror the famous hexagonal basalt columns found at Wyoming's Devil's Tower and Ireland's Giant's Causeway, offering a glimpse into the region's volcanic past.

The summit of Bald Knob delivers a worthy reward for our climb. The vantage point opens to grand views across Lake Winnipesaukee, with its scatter of islands and the distant shoreline communities. The blue lake stretches out before us filled with many small forested islands.

A split-view photograph of a waterfall in a forest. The left side features a person wearing a red shirt and a backpack standing on a wooden platform, looking at a tall, narrow waterfall framed by rocky cliffs. The right side offers a wider perspective, showcasing the waterfall flowing over rugged rocks, surrounded by lush greenery. The mist from the cascade adds to the serene atmosphere, emphasizing the natural beauty of the scene.

Brook Walk Trail's waterfalls are a must-visit.

While Bald Knob provides sufficient scenery for an out-and-back hike, continuing to Turtleback Mountain completes the loop experience. Turtleback's summit offers a different perspective from Bald Knob, with an excellent overlook of Mount Shaw's flanks.

For the descent, Turtleback Mountain Trail provides a quick return route. This wide, unpaved forest road lacks the scenic interest of other trail segments but allows for a faster, less demanding return to the trailhead.
There are several signposted parking areas close to the trailhead, all within the grounds of the Castle In The Clouds estate, which is also the start of another hiking trail that we've reviewed, leading to Mount Roberts (see 'Trailspotting Nearby' below for a link. In addition to hiking, the Castle In The Clouds offers historic mansion tours, hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain views, and dining in New Hampshire's Ossipee Mountains.

A split-view photograph showcasing two elements of a forested hiking experience. On the left side, a person in a red shirt and backpack walks along a shaded forest trail, surrounded by tall trees with vibrant green leaves. A blue and yellow trail marker is visible on a nearby tree, guiding the way. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light on the path. The right side focuses on a delicate white flower with yellow stamens, blooming among fresh green leaves. The background is softly blurred, showing more foliage and a textured rock. The image captures the interplay between the broader hiking journey and the finer details of nature.

Hiking the moderately easy Bald Knob Cutoff trail.

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Views open up close to the Bald Knob summit.

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with dense greenery. In the foreground, a building with a red roof sits atop a hill, surrounded by trees. The background features multiple mountain ranges stretching into the distance, their colors shifting from deep green to hazy blue, emphasizing different elevations. The image highlights the contrast between the lone structure and the vast wilderness, showcasing the peaceful and expansive beauty of the natural surroundings.

Looking down on the Castle in the Clouds.

A panoramic view from a rocky mountain or hilltop overlooking a vast landscape. In the foreground, rugged terrain with sparse vegetation, including small trees and shrubs, adds texture to the scene. The middle ground reveals a large lake with several inlets, its calm waters reflecting the blue sky. Surrounding the lake, dense forests stretch across the rolling landscape, leading to distant mountain peaks on the horizon. The bright sunlight enhances the natural colors, emphasizing the serene beauty and expansive scale of the wilderness.

Lake Winnipesakuee views from Bald Knob summit.

Tangents:
• Official: Castle In The Clouds
• AllTrails Public: Bald Knob & Turtleback Mt, Bald Knob O&B (Alt Route)
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Brook Walk Waterfalls (1-2 mi) · 4★ Mount Shaw (4-7 mi) · 4★ Roberts & Faraway Mtns (2-10 mi) · Show Map

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