Mt Shaw, Lake Winnipesaukee NH

• 4-star hikes
• 4-7 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,390 to 2,500 feet
• Moultonborough, NH | Lakes Region
. 52-With-A-View

The image shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop, gazing at a mountain covered with dense trees displaying early autumn colors. The sky is clear with a single small cloud.

Black Snout from Tate Mountain viewpoint.

Mount Shaw, at 2,990 feet, is the highest peak in the Ossipee Mountains located just north of New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee. The Ossipee range is a curious circular geological oddity that looks striking when viewed from above on a topographic map. It is in face a ring dike complex - a circular formation resulting from volcanic activity. Millions of years ago, volcanic forces caused the ground to collapse inward and magma filled the fractures, creating the circular pattern visible today. Over time, erosion of the surrounding softer material exposed this geological structure

Though there's little evidence of such geology at ground level, a hike on the primitive trails south of Mount Shaw's peak can still be an exhilarating experience. We recommend a clockwise route that begins with a gradual climb on Mount Shaw Trail that follows the contours of a shaded gully. The route includes a minor rock scramble, and the last part of the trail is moderately steep before reaching the remarkably flat Black Snout Trail that leads to the highest two mountain peaks.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Mt Shaw & Black Snout Loop 7.4 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,500 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Tate Mt Viewpoint 3.7 mi out-and-back, moderate, gain 1,390 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

You'll encounter your first views on a clockwise route upon reaching the summit of Mount Shaw, which features panoramic northerly views across the range and beyond towards a distant Mount Chocorua. Better views are found at Black Snout with vistas towards Lake Winnipesaukee, but on your descent back to the trailhead the best is yet to come - excellent views in all directions from Tate Mountain. Also known as Big Ball Mountain, this peak has large exposed granite caps which reveal the scale of the summits you've just been hiking, in addition to spectacular photo opportunities towards the lake.

Part of the reason we recommend a clockwise route is because after experiencing the vistas of Tate Mountain, the rest of the summit views feel like an anti-climax. In case you'd like to check out these views without the leg-work of the other taller peaks, we've also included a shorter out-and-back route to the Tate Mountain viewpoint.

The image shows two individuals hiking through a lush, green forest. They are equipped with backpacks and walking sticks, indicating they are prepared for a long trek.

Wayfinding on these light trails requires caution.

Wayfinding can be difficult on these lesser-used trails with faint and infrequent blazes and missing junction signs. In the gully on the Mount Shaw Trail there's a washout on the abandoned old road that leads to the narrower section of trail. Also, on the return towards Tate Mountain there are several opportunities to lose the trail entirely. We were very grateful to have GPS positioning and a virtual trail to follow, and wouldn't recommend approaching this route without one.

Mount Shaw is featured as part of the New Hampshire 52 With A View hiking list, which showcases peaks with some the best scenic views in the state. Check out the link at the foot of this article if you'd like to explore the full list, see our map or read our trail reviews from other routes on this list.

The image shows a scenic landscape viewed from a forested area. The foreground features various trees with green and autumn-colored leaves, along with tall grass and shrubs. Through the trees, a vast expanse of blue sky and a distant mountain range are visible, suggesting a high vantage point.

Foliage frames a view near Black Snout's summit.

The image shows a panoramic view of a vast lake with numerous islands scattered throughout. The water body is surrounded by rolling hills and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground features lush greenery, possibly shrubs or low trees, overlooking the scenic landscape.

Views across the lake to distant Gunstock & Belknap peaks.

The image shows a scenic landscape viewed from a high vantage point. The foreground features rocky terrain with patches of grass and shrubs, some with autumnal red hues. The middle ground reveals undulating hills covered with trees showing early signs of fall foliage. In the background, a large body of water, likely a lake or wide river, is visible with mountains on the far horizon under a clear blue sky with wispy clouds.

Open views on Tate Mountain (aka Big Ball).

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Mt Shaw & Black Snout
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NH 52 With A View
Routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with supreme views.

Rail Trails of New England
The first and only complete rail trail map. With photos, reviews and downloads.