This Off-The-Beaten-Path Forest In New Hampshire Is The Perfect Place To Escape

Stepping into nature is my preferred way of escaping from daily life. So much so that I try to do quiet hikes in New Hampshire as often as I can! I think many of us can appreciate the experience of being surrounded by a peaceful forest. Add to that some interesting water features and remnants of regional history, and you have yourself a full day of exploration. Smith Pond Shaker Forest in Enfield offers all this and more in a setting of natural beauty and tranquility.

Smith Pond Shaker Forest is a 995-acre property in Enfield protected by Upper Valley Land Trust. The centerpiece of the forest is the peaceful Smith Pond.

Smith Pond once served as a water source for Enfield Shaker Village. Hand-dug canals and dams diverted water downhill from the pond to the village.

Two trailheads provide access to the forest. The southern trailhead offers a more direct route to Smith Pond while the northern trailhead is a better option for visiting the larger waterfall.

The approach from the north follows Shaker Brook and Smith Pond Brook much of the way. At times of high water, these brooks feature many cascades.

The hike through the forest becomes wilder the further in you get. There's a real sense of remoteness here.

Just 0.2 miles north of Smith Pond is Little Dog Falls. This small cascade slips over ledges into a picturesque pool near a rustic bridge.

Reached by a 0.4-mile spur path, Big Dog Falls tumbles through a wild, narrow, steep-walled ravine. Use caution if visiting the falls, as the terrain is rocky and often wet.

Smith Pond Shaker Forest is truly one of the most serene, beautiful, and quiet hikes in New Hampshire. To learn more about the property and to download a trail map, visit Upper Valley Land Trust.

Hiking to ponds is one of my favorite things to do, especially if the weather is looking rainy. You may also enjoy a walk on an ancient pond that is now a bog or climb to the top of a cliff overlooking a scenic pond.