CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS CONSERVATION AREA
HIKER ACHIEVEMENT PATCH PROGRAM

General Information:

The 5,381-acre Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area is the largest property owned and stewarded by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT). This conserved land provides extraordinary hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities on numerous trails and carriage roads.

The Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area Hiker Achievement Patch Program is an LRCT project designed to recognize hikers who have ascended 5 major summits and hiked 16 designated trails, totaling 28 miles, located entirely within LRCT's Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area. There is no time limit for earning the patch. You can hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski the trails – enjoy the property in all seasons!

Application Information:

To participate in the Hiker Achievement Patch Program, please print out the application form provided on this website and track your hiking accomplishments and experiences. To obtain your patch after you.ve hiked all 16 trails and reached all 5 summits, send your completed application, along with a check for $6 payable to LRCT and a self-addressed stamped envelope, to: LRCT, PO Box 766, Center Harbor, NH 03226.

Trail/Hiking Information:

In order to complete the Hiker Achievement Patch Program, you will need to obtain a Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area map showing the hiking trails. (Three trails – Brook Walk, Lower Bridle Path, and Upper Bridle Path are not shown on the current map but are shown on maps posted at the trailhead kiosks. An updated map and guidebook will be available in the near future.) Only those trails that are completely within the LRCT property are included in the program. Maps are available for purchase at the LRCT office (see contact information below).

Parking is available in two locations – the Lower Trailhead Parking Area located on Route 171 just east of its intersection with Severance Road and the Upper Trailhead Parking Area located at the top of Ossipee Park Road to the right just beyond the small cemetery.

Please note: The mileages listed represent a one-way hike on each trail. For some routes, you will need to hike additional miles to reach the beginning of the trail, so be sure to consider this mileage in your planning; total distance will vary depending on which route you choose to access some trails.

This conservation area is bordered on several sides by land owned by other parties. Please respect the rights of these property owners and do not venture off the marked trails.

Portions of the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area are remote, so hikers should be sufficiently prepared for these hikes and follow safety precautions appropriate for venturing into a wilderness area. You will need a map and compass or GPS and be able to use them. Always carry a whistle, flashlight, extra food, and water. Uncertain weather can develop at any time; you should wear seasonally appropriate clothing, dress in layers, and bring protection for rain or snow. Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return. Overnight camping is not allowed. Please carry out what you carry in.

Be a smart, safe hiker and you will enjoy this wonderful conservation area.

Lakes Region Conservation Trust Property:

All of the trails and mountains that you are hiking are part of the 5,381-acre Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area acquired by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust in 2002 through the generosity of over 2,000 donors. Supported by the efforts of many dedicated and talented volunteers, LRCT stewards this landmark property and keeps it open to the public for thoughtful recreation free of charge.

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust is a non-profit organization supported entirely by contributions. If you would like more information about LRCT, the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, or other LRCT conserved properties and trails, please contact LRCT by mail at PO Box 766, Center Harbor, NH 03226, by telephone at 603-253-3301, or by email at lrct@lrct.org.

Download the above Hiker Patch Program Information

Download the Hiker Patch Application Form