Shell Pond Loop

Map legend: Yellow trails, Shell Pond loop. Blue trails, Blueberry Mountain and Rattlesnake Pool loop. Pinks trails, Speckled Mountain. Purple trails, East Royce.

It’s hard to not want to hike up to one of the magnificent mountain views that abound in this area, and instead stick to exploring Shell Pond. But those mountains create beautiful views, casting long reflections on the pond. The trail also brings you through meadows, a daisy patch in season, and to the clear, sparkling Rattlesnake Brook.

Plus, you won’t be hiking up a mountain! Instead, the 3.5-mile loop stays on flatter terrain, especially if you stick to the north and east sides of the loop. If you do complete the loop, expect to hike up a slope that rises above the southern side of the pond — and to do a few ups and downs.

While it is satisfying to complete a loop, if you don’t have much time and also want to hike up Blueberry Mountain, we suggest just doing the northern half of this loop, ending at the little bench and viewpoint at the far eastern side of the pond about 1.5 miles from the Stone House Road trailhead

To do this, park at the gate on Stone House Road — the western access point. Walk past the gate, continuing straight down the dirt road. In 0.2 miles, you’ll pass a footpath to your right, “Shell Pond Loop,” which skirts the southern half of the pond. It’s marked 1.9 miles, but that doesn’t refer to the length of the entire loop! In 1.9 miles, it connects with Shell Pond Trail to complete the circle.

A bit farther down Stone House Road, you’ll pass White Cairn Trail to Blueberry Mountain on your left. In another 0.4 miles, you’ll pass the beautiful Stone House, a private residence. (This entire trail is on private property, so visitors are asked to stay on marked paths.) Soon, you’ll pass another private home, and will briefly follow a grassy airstrip. The trail eventually reaches Rattlesnake Brook. Keep going to cross the brook on a well-made boardwalk, about 1.1 miles from the trailhead.

At this point, the trail gets a bit wet and mucky. Push on to reach the short spur trail on your right to a stone bench and view down the length of the pond, with mountains rising in the distance.

I recommend getting a copy of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Mountain Guide for more details and 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.