GetFit Hike #2: Bald Knob

It was a promising start to the hiking season as thirteen members showed up to hike up Bald Knob on the grounds of the Castle in the Clouds. There were lots of familar faces, and we were joined by a few new members.

We started off on a steady uphill along a rushing brook. The Castle was built by an eccentric millionaire in the early 1900's and has many interesting features. He was an immigrant who built a fortune and then lost it all before he died. But we thank him for finding and preserving this beautiful area that we were in.

It was sunny and breezy. We continued on the carriage road which took us up a highpoint where the Bald Knob Cutoff trail began. This trail was more traditional New England hiking than the carriage road we had been on.

We reached the ridgeline with a fine outlook southerly to Lake Winnipesauke. Then the trail led us up and down eventually leading us to the Bald Knob trail, which is another carriage road.

We could see Lake Winnipesaukee through the trees on our right as we approached Bald Knob and made us know that our efforts would be rewarded with a spectacular view. We reached the Knob and we enjoyed a great view of Lake Winnipesauke. The Belknap mountain range and beyond was also in view. There were remains of a wooded stand left over from horseback riding that was once offered at Castle in the Clouds. 

On the return we took a short detour to view the "Falls of Song." Everyone made the 4.2 mile hike and seemed glad to have been able to get out and enjoy spring, trading the breeze for very little bugs.

Afterwards we had dinner on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith.

If you're looking for a mellow mountain-climbing hike, then this hike to Bald Knob with a rocky promontory that offers excellent views across Lake Winnipesauke to the mountains beyond may be just what you had in mind.

This is a good warm-up hike in the Castle in the Clouds property due to its reasonable length and height, relatively uncrowded summit [considering the difficulty level], and spectacular views.

Balk Knob is 1,801 feet high. The hike will be about 4.2 miles round trip with 1,081 feet elevation gain. After the hike we'll have a casual lakeside dinner along the shore of Lake Winnipesauke at the Town Docks in Meredith.

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. 

Trail Description: We will start on the Shannon Brook Trail that has a steady but moderate climb ~ probably the worst part of the whole trip is the first half mile. We'll then hook up with the Bald Knob Cutoff Trail. The Bald Knob Cutoff Trail starts off somewhat steeply, before becoming more gradual as it arrives to a nice lake viewpoint. Once we reach the Bald Knob Trail, we'll take it to the summit.

Activity Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand