Posted on September 6, 2016 and last updated on October 30, 2021

Shell Pond Loop, White Mountain National Forest

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 800,000 acres in White Mountain Forest (ME and NH)
  • Trail Mileage: ~4-mile loop
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: pond, views

Map legend: Blue trails, Blueberry Mountain and Rattlesnake Pool loop. Pinks trails, Speckled Mountain (western side). Yellow trails, Shell Pond loop. 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.

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.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!