| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bald Knob, Turtleback Mountain, Black Snout, Mt. Shaw, Faraway Mountain, Mt. Roberts, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Shannon Brook Trail, Bald Knob Cutoff, Bald Knob Trail, Turtleback Mountain Trail, Black Snout Trail, High Ridge Trail, Mt. Roberts Trail, Pond Trail, Brook Walk |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Ample parking in the hiker lot off Route 171, directly across from the Shannon Brook trailhead. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All of the potentially significant streams seemed to have wooden bridges over them, and there didn't seem to be a whole lot of water flow even underneath the bridges. The stream crossing on the Pond Trail was trivial (water well under the height of the stepping stones). |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail markings (often diamonds affixed to trees), blazes, and signage were abundant, and the trails were very easy to follow. Many of these trails are former carriage roads / bridle paths, and the corridors were readily apparent even with significant leaf litter. Couple of distance markers on the signs were suspect (that last 0.5 miles to Black Snout was probably 1/4). |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Great trails for dogs- saw plenty, but bring water, as there are no reliable sources once you ascend above Shannon Brook. |
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 | Bugs: |
A few flies, but never needed to use repellent. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Took a counterclockwise tour for 20 miles and 6 of the Ossipee peaks within the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (near Castle in the Clouds). It was amazing to hike on relatively smooth carriage roads after recent, rock-strewn adventures in the Whites. Elevation gain here is much more gradual on most of the trails, and there were only a few obstacles hiding under the leaves. Bald Knob offered amazing, close-up views toward Lake Winnipesaukee in the early morning hours. The ledges heading down from Mt. Roberts were spectacular as well, even though that descent was rather tedious (especially after striding out on easy bridle paths for miles beforehand). Waterfall #7 on the Brook Walk was awesome even during drought conditions, and should not be missed. Full details on Unnecessary Climb! |
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 | Name: |
Jason |
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 | E-Mail: |
kurlando7@hotmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-10-18 |
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 | Link: |
 https://unnecessaryclimb.wordpress.com/ossipee-range-tour/ |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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