QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 800,000 acres, White Mountain Forest
- Trail Mileage: ~4-mile loop
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: pond, views
Map legend: Yellow trails, Shell Pond loop. Blue trails, Blueberry Mountain and Rattlesnake Pool loop. Pinks trails, Speckled Mountain (western side). Purple trails, East Royce.
This is a mostly flat, charming walk around Shell Pond. It includes a faint road that passes under gnarled old apple trees. There is one little climb (pretty insignificant from what I recall). If you do the whole loop, it’s about four miles.
I recommend getting a copy of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Mountain Guide for a great map of this area!
Directions: You’ll see a little trail sign for Shell Pond trail on Shell Pond Road. If you’re coming from Rte. 113, it’ll be on your left about 3.5 miles in. This road is closed in the winter. You can also park at the parking area for Blueberry Mountain and Rattlesnake Pool on Shell Pond/Stone House Road, which is further north on Rte. 113, off to the right.
