meta

Shaw Mountain Trail Loop

based on 34 tracks & routes
7.0 mi
Distance
3 hrs 23 min
Time
terrain
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

    user_profile stars
    4 years, 3 months 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
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    1 year ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years, 2 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


Public Tracks

user_profile stars
SnowshoeDancer 4 years, 3 months 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.
user_profile
phillip.coyne 1 month, 4 weeks ago
user_profile
LastCompass4319 2 months, 3 weeks ago
user_profile
Amelia 2 months, 3 weeks ago
user_profile
DawnOlive5580 2 months, 3 weeks ago
user_profile
btzimr 7 months ago
user_profile
Yetter 95 7 months ago
user_profile
Laura T 10 months ago
user_profile
veverits 10 months, 1 week ago
user_profile
Steven Roy 3 years, 9 months ago
user_profile
WarmShovel7313 4 years, 2 months ago
user_profile
Brian O’Toole 4 years, 6 months ago
user_profile
alohabuffy 4 years, 8 months ago
user_profile
John Myers 4 years, 9 months ago
user_profile
EasySwamp9955 4 years, 10 months ago
user_profile
HappySkis2502 4 years, 11 months ago
user_profile
Jeremy 5 years, 2 months ago
user_profile
Karen White 5 years, 11 months ago