Mount Shaw via Cold Spring Trail

The Cold Spring Trail is part of the extensive trail network within the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Parking is typically available at the Castle in the Clouds estate, which serves as a common access point for trails in the area. Specific parking details and any associated fees for the estate should be checked directly with Castle in the Clouds before your visit.

Yes, as the trail is located within the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, there may be an entrance fee or parking fee required to access the property and its trail network. It's advisable to check the official Castle in the Clouds website for the most current information regarding fees and regulations before planning your hike.

Yes, the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, where this trail is located, generally allows dogs. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to help maintain the trail for everyone.

The trail is a popular choice for three-season hiking, offering beautiful conditions in spring, summer, and fall. Fall foliage can be particularly stunning. It can also be a good option for snowshoeing in winter, though hikers should be aware that portions of the Cold Spring Trail also serve as a snowmobile trail during the colder months.

The trail primarily follows old carriage roads, which generally provide a gentler grade and easier footing than more rugged mountain trails. You won't typically encounter significant rock scrambles or difficult stream crossings. However, some sections, particularly the final mile of the Oak Ridge Trail leading to the summit, can become steeper. The route traverses forests and may include small brooks.

The scenery is a major highlight. From a clearing on the carriage road near the summit, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the White Mountains, including iconic peaks like Franconia Ridge and Mount Washington, as well as other parts of the Presidential Range. On a clear day, you might even see into Maine. You'll also get picturesque views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding Lakes Region. The southern summit, Black Snout, also offers excellent views of the Lakes Region.

While the trail is generally considered moderate, some sources might label it as 'hard' due to its length (around 7.5 to 8.8 miles round trip) and approximately 1,800 feet of elevation gain. However, many hikers find it to be one of the easier mountains of its height because the old carriage roads offer more gradual inclines. If you're a beginner with good fitness, it could be a rewarding challenge, but be prepared for the distance and elevation.

Yes, the route is part of an extensive trail network and intersects with several other paths. Along this route, you will also pass through sections of the High Ridge Trail, the Oak Ridge Cutoff, the Black Snout Trail, and the Faraway Mountain Trail. This connectivity allows for various loop options and opportunities to combine the Mount Shaw hike with ascents of nearby peaks like Black Snout and Big Ball Mountain for longer adventures.

The Mount Shaw via Cold Spring Trail can be hiked as an out-and-back route, or it can be incorporated into various loop options by utilizing the extensive network of connecting trails within the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area. This flexibility allows hikers to customize their experience.

Mount Shaw is notable for several reasons: it's featured on the '52 With a View List' for its exceptional vistas, it's the highest mountain in the Ossipee Range (a visible remnant of an ancient volcanic ring dike), and it's part of the historic Castle in the Clouds estate, utilizing old carriage roads originally built by shoe magnate Thomas Gustave Plant.

Yes, while it's a good option for snowshoeing, hikers should be aware that portions of the Cold Spring Trail also serve as a snowmobile trail in winter. This means you might encounter snowmobile traffic, and conditions can vary. Always check weather and trail conditions before heading out, and be prepared with appropriate winter gear.