Fun Winter Hikes Not Far From Home

PHOTO: Two hikers at the summit of Bald Knob in Moultonborough. Just one of some great hikes in the Ossipee Mountain Range. Shawn Papp Photo

by Rob Levey
Weirs Times Correspondent

If you enjoy trails and are looking for an adventure this winter, you do not need to go far.
“I love hiking in the Ossipee Mountains,” said Mara Michno, who lives in Wolfeboro. “You can get a lot of peaks in there, and they have some good elevation and are just a short drive from my house.”
Center Tuftonboro resident Rachel Ryan also loves the Ossipee Mountains.
“I love them because there is a trail there for all levels,” she said. “The views of the lakes on one side and the Whites on the other are just incredible.”
Wolfeboro resident Megan Williams said hikers can earn a patch for “bagging” ten peaks in the Ossipee Mountain range.

These mountains include: Mt. Shaw (2,990’), Black Snoot (2,803’), Faraway Mountain (2,782’), Mt. Roberts (2,582’), Mt. Flagg (2,390’), Turtleback Mountain (2,203’), Big Ball Mountain (Tate Mountain) – 2,060’, Bayle Mountain (1,853’), Bald Knob (1,801’), and Sentinel Mountain (1,680’).
“Having grownup in Tuftonboro, Bald Knob is my personal favorite,” said Williams, who cited multiple ways to approach it.
For hikers who are pressed for time, but desire “a stellar workout and stunning view” of Lake Winnipesaukee, she recommended hiking up Bald Knob from Rt. 171 on the Tuftonboro/Moultonborough line.
“It’s short, yet challenging, and is sure to get your blood pumping,” she said.
Hikers can also summit Bald Knob via Castle in the Clouds (Moultonborough).

“These trails are well-marked, and there’s nothing quite like the beauty of approaching the summit of Bald Knob from the Carriage Road,” said Williams. “It’s a less challenging hike, but it is longer.”
For those uninterested in “bagging” peaks, Castle in the Clouds features an array of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.
“You could hike all day or simply take the little ones up to poke around by the trout pond and waterfalls for an hour or two,” Willams added.
Aside from the Ossipee Mountains, there are no shortage of trails in the region. Eagle Cliff and Red Hill, located in Sandwich, represent two favorite options for Ryan.
“Red Hill is fairly short but offers a magnificent view at the top of the fire tower — it’s a steady climb but not difficult,” she said.
She described Eagle Cliff as “a short hike straight up” to a view of Squam Lake.
“You can walk from Eagle Cliff to Red Hill, and it’s peaceful,” she added. “We also just hiked the waterfall trail in the Ossipee mountains, and it was incredible with the snow and ice.”

Williams said her second favorite hike is nearby Copple Crown Mountain, which can be accessed via Moose Mountain Rd. in Union.
“It’s about 6 miles out and back if you are able to park in the last lot by the trailhead,” she explained.
“She said that this time of year, though, parking is likely not possible there.
“Folks may have to park at Moose Mountain, which would make the hike almost 2 miles longer,” she said.
The hike, she added, is not difficult.
“The views from the East Peak are the best and are at their full glory, like most mountains, in the fall,” she said.
Regarding family-friendly hikes, Michno cited her favorite as Whiteface Mountain and Moody Mountain, both in Wolfeboro.
“I consider them ‘family-friendly’ because my five year-old can hike them on his own two feet without complaining,” she said. “They are a short drive from our house and they each are gradual inclines.”
Michno said other favorite hikes around the region include Piper, Blue Job, Boulder Loop and Rattlesnake.

“There are literally so many mountains in general in the Lakes Region that I’m having a hard time listing them,” she laughed.
When hiking in the winter, Williams said preparation is paramount.
“It is so important to be prepared with layers of clothing, more food and water than you think you need, headlamps, micro spikes and poles,” she said.
Noting she grew up in Alaska, Michno agreed with Williams regarding considerations for gear.
“There is no bad weather, only bad clothing,” she said. “If I let the weather get in the way of getting outside, then I feel like I would always have an excuse to not get outside.”
There is one bit of gear, however, Michno suggested not bringing on a winter hike.

“I don’t use a water hydration bladder in the winter because the hose freezes,” she said. “Bring water bottles of warm water in your backpack. They won’t freeze, and I personally don’t find super cold water appealing on a super cold day.”
The last bit of advice is to have fun.
“Go out and explore,” said Ryan. “Our backyard is incredible. The Whites are magnificent, but these mountains around the lake have a different kind of beauty.”

To learn more about hiking trails in the surrounding area and beyond, download the Alltrails.com application, or visit franklinsites.com.