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New Hampshire
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New Hampshire State Parks

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USA Parks
New Hampshire
Merrimack Valley Region
Shaker State Forest
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SHAKER STATE FOREST
SHAKER STATE FOREST
The Shaker State Forest is a serene and picturesque natural oasis that offers a captivating escape for nature enthusiasts. Encompassing vast woodlands and sweeping landscapes, the forest is a haven for outdoor activities ranging from hiking and camping to bird-watching and photography. Visitors are greeted by towering trees, babbling brooks, and diverse wildlife, creating an immersive experience that allows one to reconnect with the tranquility of nature. The Shaker State Forest is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a testament to the region's natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and inspiration in New Hampshire's stunning wilderness.
History of the Area
The Shaker State Forest, located in Enfield, New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It is named after the Shaker religious community that once inhabited the area.

The Shakers were a religious sect that sought spiritual enlightenment through simple and communal living. In 1792, the Shakers established a settlement in Enfield, known as the Enfield Shaker Village. It became one of the most successful Shaker communities in the United States, reaching its peak in the mid-19th century. The Enfield Shakers were known for their various industries, including farming, dairy production, and woodworking.

The Shaker State Forest was initially acquired by the Shakers to provide land for their agricultural operations. They practiced sustainable farming and were recognized for their innovative agricultural techniques. The forested areas of the Shaker property were used for timber extraction and supplied wood for their various workshops.

As the Shaker community declined in the late 19th century, the Enfield Shaker Village gradually dissolved. By the mid-20th century, only a few Shakers remained in the village. In 1957, the state of New Hampshire acquired a portion of the former Shaker property, which included the forested land, to establish the Shaker State Forest.

The forest was primarily managed for timber production until the 1990s when the focus shifted towards recreation and conservation. Today, Shaker State Forest offers various recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The forest covers approximately 2,460 acres and is intersected by numerous trails, including the Northern Rail Trail, which follows the path of the former railway that served the Enfield Shaker Village.

The Shaker State Forest not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a valuable habitat for wildlife. It is home to various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, and contains diverse forest ecosystems.
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Trails
1. Bear Hill Trail: This is a moderate 3-mile round trip trail that starts at the parking lot off Route 123 and leads to an old fire tower site on top of Bear Hill.

2. Shaker Mountain Loop: A challenging hike, this loop covers about five miles with steep inclines leading up to panoramic views from the summit of Mount Israel.

3. Lower Pond Pathway: An easy one mile walk around lower pond offering beautiful water vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities including beavers, ducks, herons among others.

4. Upper Pond Overlook Trail: Another relatively short but slightly more difficult than Lower Pond pathway due its uphill climb; it offers stunning overlooks onto upper pond as well as surrounding forested areas.

5. Old Mill Road Hike: It's a historical route which used to serve shakers' mills in past times - now converted into hiking path stretching for approximately two miles through dense woods along brook side providing serene environment ideal for nature lovers or bird watchers.

6. Boulder Field Trails: These trails are scattered throughout state park featuring large boulders left behind by glaciers thousands years ago - they vary in length & difficulty level making them suitable option regardless whether you're beginner hiker or experienced adventurer looking challenge yourself physically while exploring unique geological features area has offer.

7. Red Pine Stand Walkway: As name suggests, this half-mile long flat terrain stroll takes visitors amidst towering red pine trees planted during reforestation efforts early twentieth century ; besides enjoying tranquility these majestic pines provide , there also interpretive signs placed periodically explaining history forestry practices region.

8. Blueberry Ridge Track: During summer months when wild blueberries ripe ready picking, many people flock towards three-quarter mile track not only enjoy scenic beauty ridge line but also indulge some berry-picking fun themselves.

9. Wetland Boardwalk Circuit: For those interested wetlands ecosystem their rich biodiversity can opt for this half-mile long boardwalk circuit which winds through marshy areas allowing close-up views various plant animal species inhabit such habitats.

10. Cross Country Ski Trails: During winter months, several trails within Shaker State Forest are groomed cross country skiing offering different difficulty levels ranging from easy to advanced.

11. Multi-use Trail System: Apart from specific hiking paths, the forest also has a network of multi-purpose trails that can be used for horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling in addition to walking or running.

12. The Great Meadow Loop: This is an accessible trail suitable for all skill levels; it's about 1 mile loop around large open meadow area providing excellent bird watching opportunities especially during migratory seasons.

13. Wildlife Observation Pathway: A short but rewarding walk designed specifically wildlife enthusiasts who wish observe local fauna their natural habitat without disturbing them ; includes viewing platforms overlooking feeding grounds frequented by deer other woodland creatures.

14. Old Growth Forest Walk: It's rare opportunity explore one few remaining old growth forests New Hampshire where you'll find some state's oldest largest trees standing tall amidst undisturbed ecosystem they've been part centuries now.

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Area Campgrounds
Silver Lake Park Campground
389 Jamestown Road
Belmont, NH
603-524-6289
Hillcrest Campground
78 Dover Road
Chichester, NH
603-798-5124
Circle 9 Ranch
39 Windymere Drive
Epsom, NH
603-736-9656
Thousand Acres Family Campground
Route 3 1079 South Main Street
Franklin, NH
603-934-4440
Hack-Ma-Tack Campground
713 Endroot Street North
Laconia, NH
603-366-5977
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Sunset Mountain Fish & Game Club
117 West Rd
Canterbury, NH
(603) 783-0454

Directions
1. Start your journey from [your location] and head towards Canterbury, NH.
2. Take I:93 North if you are coming from the southern part of the state or I-89 South if you are traveling from northern areas.
3. Merge onto US Route 4 East via Exit 15E toward Portsmouth/Concord.
4. Continue on US Route 4 for approximately 10 miles until reaching a roundabout intersection with Shaker Road (also known as Old Concord Turnpike).
5. Enter the roundabout and take the second exit to stay on Shaker Road/Old Concord Turnpike heading eastbound.
6. Drive straight ahead for about half a mile until you reach an entrance sign indicating "Shaker State Forest" on your right:hand side.

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New Hampshire
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New Hampshire State Parks

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