The Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, conserved by LRCT in 2002, covers 5,246 acres of vital land in the Ossipee Mountains, including over 800 acres of old-growth forest, part of the national Old-Growth Forest Network.
The area consists of 30 miles of trails and historic carriage roads that are maintained by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of LRCT volunteers, providing extraordinary hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities. Depending on the trail you choose and the season in which you hike, you may encounter spectacular waterfalls, incredible views from mountain summits and outlooks, signs of wildlife, historic sites, interesting geological features, and many other unique elements of this beautiful conservation area.
The Lucknow Estate, also known as Castle in the Clouds, was designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) by the U.S. Department of the Interior in late 2024. This esteemed recognition highlights the national significance of the Lucknow Estate for its remarkable architecture, landscape design, and conservation efforts spanning over a century.
You can watch Windows to the Wild: Preserving a Way of Life (NHPBS), which aired in late 2020, to learn more about the work to conserve this magnificent property.
Hiking at Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area
The trails are open year-round to the public, during daylight hours, for low-impact recreational uses such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. We ask that you pay attention to signs describing appropriate activities within the protected area, which are posted at trailhead kiosks.
Hiking Trail Map
LRCT’s waterproof hiking trails map for the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area includes trail descriptions, levels of difficulty, trail distances, and elevations, and folds up easily to fit in your pocket. The backside features a trail map of the Red Hill Conservation Area in Moultonborough. This map is available on our online store or at our office in Center Harbor.
Trail Updates:
- Pond Trail: A section of the Pond Trail has been relocated however the trail currently includes a water crossing that is not advisable during periods of high water.
- Shannon Brook Trail: The section located between the Turtleback Mtn. Tr. and the Connector Tr. is CLOSED.
- Brook Walk: The section located between the Turtleback Mtn. Tr. and Brook Walk is CLOSED.
Popular Hiking Trails and Summits:
Brook Walk
Moderate Hike
The Brook Walk leads to viewpoints for seven spectacular waterfalls, with much of the trail following the route that led visitors to these points more than a century ago. Signs along the trail provide descriptions of the waterfalls and include old images, providing an idea of how these falls appeared to Ossipee Mountain Park visitors many years ago. This interpretive trail takes you to seven waterfalls, including the Twin Falls, Whittier Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Falls of Song: a 40 ft plunge waterfall!
Oak Ridge Interpretive Trail
Moderate Hike
The Oak Ridge Trail Loop has interpretive signs along the trail to teach visitors about the ecology, history, geology, and unique characteristics of this conserved area. This trail also offers a spectacular viewpoint along the way where the Castle can be seen amidst the rolling Ossipee Mountains.
Follow along by using LRCT’s Interpretative Trail Guide.
| Shannon Pond Kiosk (1220') | ||
| Turtleback Mountain Trail to: | 0.36 mi | 0.36 mi |
| Oak Ridge Trail | 0.40 mi | 0.76 mi |
| View Point (1480') | 0.40 mi | 1.16 mi |
| Oak Ridge Trail to: | 0.38 mi | 1.54 mi |
| Pond Trail back to Shannon Pond Kiosk (1,220’) | 0.1 mi | 1.64 mi |
Elevation Gain: 240’
Distance: 1.8 miles
Hiking Time: Approximately 36 minutes
Mt. Shaw (2,990 ft)
Strenuous Hike
Mt. Shaw is the highest point in the Lakes Region and has been a favorite climb for Lakes Region hikers for generations. The summit provides spectacular mountain views north to the White Mountains and east across the Ossipee Ring Dike. Mt. Shaw can be ascended on trails lying entirely within LRCT’s conserved land.
| Distances from Shannon Pond (1,220’) on the Turtleback Mt Trail to: | ||
| Faraway Mtn. Trail (1,540’) | 1.40 mi | 1.40 mi |
| Upper Bridle Path (1,660’) | 0.25 mi | 1.65 mi |
| Oak Ridge Cutoff (2,020’) | 0.75 mi | 2.40 mi |
| High Ridge Trail (2,360’) | 0.50 mi | 2.90 mi |
| Mt. Shaw Summit (2,990’) | 2.10 mi | 5.00 mi |
| Distances from the Mt. Shaw Summit (2,990’) on the High Ridge Trail to: | ||
| Oak Ridge Cutoff (2,020’) | 2.10 mi | 2.10 mi |
| Faraway Mtn. Trail (1,620’) | 1.00 mi | 3.10 mi |
| Lower Bridle Path (1,540’) | 0.50 mi | 3.60 mi |
| Shannon Pond (1,220’) | 1.00 mi | 4.60 mi |
Distance: 9.60 miles
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Mt. Roberts (2,570 ft)
Strenuous Hike
Mt. Roberts is considered by many LRCT members to be the finest “undiscovered” hike in the Lakes Region with multiple spectacular viewpoints along the trail to the summit.
| Distance from Shannon Pond (1,220’) to: | ||
| Mt. Roberts (2,582’) via Mt Roberts Trail | 2.5 mi | 1 hr 50 min |
| Distance from Mt. Roberts (2,582’) to: | ||
| Shannon Pond (1,220’) via Mt Roberts Trail | 2.5 mi | 1 hr 50 min |
Distance: 5 mile
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes
Bald Knob (1,801 ft)
Moderate Hike
Bald Knob is also a favorite hike for families, affording excellent views of Lake Winnipesaukee and beyond.
| Shannon Pond Kiosk | 1,220’ | ||
| Turtleback Mtn. Trailhead to: | 1,220’ | ||
| Oak Ridge Trail intersect | 1,260’ | 0.6 mi | 17 min |
| Faraway Mtn. Trail intersect | 1,540’ | 1.4 mi | 24 min |
| Bald Knob Trail to: | 1,710’ | 2.4 mi | 44 min |
| Bald Knob via Bald Knob Trail | 1,801’ | 3.2 mi | 60 min |
| Bald Knob Trail to: | 1,801’ | ||
| Bald Knob Cutoff Trail to: | 1,680’ | 0.4 mi | 7 min |
| Shannon Brook Trail to: | 1,100’ | 1.4 mi | 40 min |
| Shannon Pond Kiosk | 1,220’ | 2.1 mi | 60 min |
Distance 5.3 miles
Hiking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Parking
- LRCT maintains two trailhead parking areas that are free and open to the public for accessing the trails during daylight hours: one at the end of Ossipee Park Road and one on Route 171.
- Additional parking is available (when the grounds are not snow-covered) in designated areas along Ossipee Park Road.
- Parking is not allowed in non-designated areas (such as driveways, other parking areas, and grounds) and may lead to your vehicle being towed.
- Please keep in mind, the historic and scenic entry road, running from the Castle entrance on Route 171 up to the Castle is open for pedestrian use. In the winter, the road may be used for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Biking is not allowed.
- Everyone enjoying recreation on the Castle grounds should respect the No Trespassing area surrounding the Castle and Carriage House. Thank you.
Hiker Achievement Patch Program
LRCT has developed a Hiker Achievement Patch Program which recognizes those who have explored the 30 miles of trails entirely within LRCT’s Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area. This includes 5 major summits and 16 designated trails. You can hike, snowshoe, and/or cross-country ski the trails to earn your embroidered patch. While working towards earning your patch, you will have the opportunity to explore all the trails spread throughout this conserved landscape.
The number of patch recipients has been growing since the launch of the program; we hope that many of you will take on this 5 summit/16 trail challenge!
Lee Settlement Quest
A Quest is an activity where participants follow a rhyming trail of clues and a curious map to find a hidden box. This quest explores the remnants of a 19th-century farming settlement in what was also called “Ossipee Glen” located on the Ossipee plateau overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee at the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area.
This Quest is a moderate hike of about 1.5 miles with slight uphill sections. The Quest generally takes between 60-90 minutes and is best for suited for individuals ages 10 and above, although younger Questers accompanied by an adult may also enjoy it.
Have fun and good luck!
Geology in the Ossipees
Columnar Joints on Turtleback Mountain
If you’ve hiked up to Turtleback Mountain, you may have noticed some interesting geological features called columnar joints. Learn about these fascinating geological structures, most notably seen at Devil’s tower in Wyoming or Devil’s Postpile in California, and learn how they are formed here.
Geologic History of the Ossipees Booklet
If you are interested in learning more about the unique geologic history of the Ossipee Mountains, you can read “The Geologic History of the Ossipee Mountains of New Hampshire” written by Professor Nelson Eby. Visit our online store or stop by our headquarters to purchase a copy!
Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
All of our trails at the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area (whether groomed or not) are open to cross-country skiing. LRCT works with volunteers to groom select trails to provide free and easy access for all levels of skiers. Learn more about the trail grooming program here.
Snowmobiling
LRCT partners with the Moultonborough Snowmobile Club each year to maintain a snowmobile corridor through the Ossipee Mountains in the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area.
To learn more about the trail conditions please visit the Moultonborough Snowmobile Club website here.
Visit the Castle in the Clouds with the Castle Preservation Society
LRCT established the Castle Preservation Society (CPS) in 2006 to own and steward the historic buildings, including the Castle, and 135 acres of its surrounding grounds, which are under a conservation easement held by LRCT.
The Castle Preservation Society’s mission is to preserve, interpret, and share the buildings and landscape of the Castle in the Clouds as a cultural resource for the benefit of the public. You can learn more about touring the Lucknow Mansion, dining at the Carriage House Restaurant, or visiting their attractions by visiting their website.
Please note that you cannot hike to the Castle (Lucknow Mansion), and tickets are required to visit.
