Castle in the Clouds Hiking: The 6 Best Trails

Although Castle in the Clouds is known for its beautiful and historic mountaintop estate, it has fun hiking trails for the entire family. Many people only enjoy the scenic drive to the top of Castle in the Clouds to enjoy beautiful views, a self-guided tour of the estate, and food at its restaurant. But one of the best ways to explore the area is by hiking!

Castle in the Clouds has over 30 miles of trails, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Whether you want to enjoy a strenuous day hike or a short hike to a waterfall, there is a trail near Castle in the Clouds for everyone! This guide has everything you need to know about the best Castle in the Clouds hiking trails to add to your bucket.

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Tips for Castle in the Clouds Hiking

Hiking in Castle in the Clouds is one of the best ways to experience everything it offers. Here are some tips and things to consider before going for a hike:

The trails near Castle in the Clouds are rugged. They have roots and rocks, so you should wear supportive shoes with traction. Even the easy hikes have obstacles.
The weather in the mountains can change quickly. It could be a sunny and warm day in the morning and change into a windy and rainy day within a few hours. It is essential to check the weather before starting the hike.
The Castle in the Clouds parking lots fill up quickly, especially in the summer and fall. Castle in the Clouds has two parking lots to access most hiking trails, one on Ossipee Park Road and one on Route 171. I recommend arriving at the trailheads early in the morning to secure a parking spot. Some parking lots will fill up before 9:00 AM.
Check the Castle in the Clouds site for trail updates. While you are planning your hike, I recommend checking the Castle in the Clouds site to check on trail closures and conditions.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

What to Pack for Castle in the Clouds Hiking

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

Castle in the Clouds Trails Map

The Best Castle in the Clouds Hiking Trails

Bald Knob

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Bald Knob Trail is a short but steep hiking trail leading to a beautiful 1,801-foot mountain. Although Bald Knob is one of the shortest mountains near Castle in the Clouds, it does not lack gorgeous views. But the trail will make you work for them!

Although Bald Knob Trail is only 1.9 miles round trip, it gains about 1,200 feet of elevation. The first 0.2 miles of the trail are flat, but the rest consists of a constant climb to the summit, but I promise, the effort is worth it for the views looking out towards Lake Winnipesaukee! If you are looking for a short and steep hike near Castle in the Clouds, Bald Knob is perfect!

views of the lakes region from castle in the clouds trails

Turtleback Mountain

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 7.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet

Do not let the long mileage deter you from hiking Turtleback Mountain! Although the Turtleback Mountain Trail is over 7 miles round trip, it only gains 1,000 feet. The climb is very gradual and even has some switchbacks, making it one of the easiest hikes near Castle in the Clouds.

Once you are at the top, the views of Mount Shaw and Black Snout are spectacular! And the best part? It is one of the least-hiked mountains near Castle in the Clouds, allowing you to enjoy more peace compared to the neighboring mountains.

Want a longer hike? Instead of hiking Turtleback Mountain as an out-and-back, you can make it a loop and hike to Bald Knob. The hike is 8.3 miles round trip with 1,400 feet of elevation, so it is not much longer or more strenuous to add Bald Knob.

Mount Roberts

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 5.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet

Mount Roberts is one of the most hiked trails near Castle in the Clouds for a good reason! The 5.2-mile round-trip hike has some of the best views in the area! The first half-mile is relatively flat before the trail gradually climbs to the summit.

The best views on the hike are on the ledges just before the summit, overlooking the Lakes Region. The actual summit of Mount Roberts is just past the ledges and offers views looking north toward the White Mountains. On a clear day, you can see Mount Washington and Mount Chocorua in the distance! You will quickly fall in love with hiking Mount Roberts and understand why it is one of the best trails near Castle in the Clouds.

mount roberts hiking guide

Mount Shaw and Black Snout

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous

Length: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet

Mount Shaw is the tallest mountain near Castle in the Clouds, standing over 2,900 feet tall, and Black Snout is the second tallest, standing over 2,800 feet tall. These two mountains have some of the best views near Castle in the Clouds if you are up for a strenuous hike!

The 7-mile round trip hike gains its elevation in the first 2 miles of the trail before flattening out as it approaches Black Snout and Mount Shaw. The ridge walk between the two mountains is a nice break from the steep sections leading to it! Once you reach the summits, you get gorgeous views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains.

Want a longer hike? Instead of hiking to Mount Shaw and Black Snout as an out-and-back, you can make it a loop, adding Big Ball Mountain. The loop is 7.8 miles round trip and is a fun way to add another mountain to the hike.

views from castle in the clouds hiking trails

Big Ball Mountain

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet

If you do not want to hike the 7.8-mile loop to Big Ball Mountain, Black Snout, and Mount Shaw, you can enjoy a shorter hike to only Big Ball Mountain. Although Big Ball Mountain is shorter than its two neighbors, standing over 2,000 feet tall, it does not lack beautiful views!

The 3.8-mile round-trip hike gradually climbs to the summit before breaking through the treeline to the ledges, offering stunning views of the Lakes Region and surrounding mountains. The ledges offer the best views, so make sure to enjoy some time there! You will quickly fall in love with this beautiful hike near Castle in the Clouds!

Please note: The trailhead is in an unmarked parking lot across from Sodom Road.

Brook Walk

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1 mile

Elevation Gain: Minimal

The Brook Walk Trail is one of my favorite trails near Castle in the Clouds because it passes seven waterfalls! The trail is pretty flat and easy to follow, making it great for everyone to enjoy. Each waterfall also has an informational sign, providing a history of the falls and the area. Many people overlook this hike, but you will quickly fall in love with it!

If you want to hike near Castle in the Clouds, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about the best Castle in the Clouds hiking trails.