Join Us for a History Hike at Smith Pond Shaker Forest
in partnership with the Enfield Shaker Museum
June 7, 2025 | 9:30 AM
Join UVLT and Enfield Shaker Museum for a hike to Smith Pond! Located in Enfield, Smith Pond Shaker Forest spans 995 acres of forest and wetlands, nestled between two State Wildlife Management Areas. Together with neighboring properties, this area provides thousands of acres of crucial wildlife habitat.
The forest features two waterfalls, remnants of Shaker history such as dams, spillways, canals, and stone walls, and the tranquil Smith Pond, offering stunning views. In the 1830s, the Shakers dammed ponds to create “Shaker Mountain Pond” and built canals to supply water to their community near Lake Mascoma. Today, you can still see traces of these structures, like gate posts and canals leading to Enfield Shaker Village.
Hikers will meet at the UVLT trailhead off Route 4A at 9:30 am for a brief introduction and begin the hike at 10:00 am. The route follows the UVLT trail with a side spur to the waterfall. While the hike is moderately difficult, hikers can choose to follow the gentler canal route and turn back when the terrain gets steeper.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes/boots, and bring a bag lunch and beverage for a picnic along the way. This hike offers fantastic photography opportunities. Registration required.
