Shaw Mountain Trail Loop(edit)

based on 34 tracks & routes | |

MODERATE

7.0 mi

Distance

3 hrs 23 min

Time

2,267 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail in New Hampshire. It can be used to reach Big Ball, Black Snout and Mount Shaw from either direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise). The first two summits provide superb views across Lake Winnipesauke while Mount Shaw has spectacular views north to the White Mountains.

Getting Started

The TH is small with room for possibly 6 cars and provides no services (kiosk, trash, water or toilet). The TH is not signed from the road though is available on Google Maps. Its almost across NH 171 from Sodom Road in Tuftonboro. There are several woods roads in the immediate vicinity of the TH as this is on private land. Generally stay left and straight as you ascend to the junction of the Mount Shaw Trail and the Italian Trail.

Taking Children

If hiking with children I would recommend ascending by the Italian Trail as there are open ledges that provide views and diversions and might be possible turn around points. Ascending Black Snout is quite steep in places though scrambling is not required just a slog. Mount Shaw trail follows brooks and they might offer a cooling pool or other diversion for small children though stream crossings are required. For children under 10 I would rate the entire loop hike (7.5M) as a 4.

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

SnowshoeDancer 3 years, 1 month ago

A late winter ascent of Big Ball, Black Snout and Mount Shaw in the Ossipee Mountains, Tuftonboro, NH. After a thaw and recent hard refreeze the monorail was in excellent shape for the ascent. Lots of ice on the final steep portion ascending Black Snout that necessitated some detours even with trail crampons. Snow depths on the way over to Mount Shaw were impressive where the post holing from the last weekend's hikers showed how difficult that hiking must have been. The descent on the Mount Shaw trail also had a lot of damage from post holing and the monorail was in bad shape. Wish those knucleheads made better choices! Stream crossings on ice still stable but not after the next thaw. Microspikes or trail crampons are essential for a safe outing

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

spshaw76 3 years, 10 months ago

★ ★ ★ ★

Delab4 4 years ago

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Public Tracks

SnowshoeDancer 3 years, 1 month ago

Mount Shaw 3/16/21 9:03:02 AM

Judy A late winter ascent of Big Ball, Black Snout and Mount Shaw in the Ossipee Mountains, Tuftonboro, NH. After a thaw and recent hard refreeze the monorail was in excellent shape for the ascent. Lots of ice on the final steep portion ascending Black Snout that necessitated some detours even with trail crampons. Snow depths on the way over to Mount Shaw were impressive where the post holing from the last weekend's hikers showed how difficult that hiking must have been. The descent on the Mount Shaw trail also had a lot of damage from post holing and the monorail was in bad shape. Wish those knucleheads made better choices! Stream crossings on ice still stable but not after the next thaw. Microspikes or trail crampons are essential for a safe outing.