Shattuck Pond Trail

The Shattuck Pond Trail at Shattuck Pond Town Forest in Francestown, New Hampshire is a moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back hike that features views of Shattuck Pond.

Trail names: Shattuck Pond Trail and "Outcrop" trail

Location: Pleasant Pond Road, Francestown NH

Permitted uses: Walking, Running, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Hunting and fishing. This is a multi-use recreation area and Hunting is allowed. Take proper precautions during hunting seasons to make yourself visible while on the trails.

Prohibited uses: Motorized vehicles including ATVs and dirt bikes (motorcycles) are prohibited on town trails, due to the damaging effects these machines have on the trails (certain snowmobile exceptions exist). Currently, eBikes are classified as motorized vehicles. No campfires.

Hours: No posted hours

Fees and Parking: There is no fee to park or use the trails. Parking is limited and only available on the side of the street. There is no off-street parking lot.

Pets: Dogs must remain on a leash at all times - this is to protect wildlife, other trail users, and sensitive natural environments (exception for hunting dogs in active hunting or training during hunting season).

Accessibility: The trail is not wheelchair accessible

Sanitation: There is no restroom or trash bin at the trailhead or on the trails. Please carry out what you carry in.
 
Length and Trail information: The hiking trails are located within Shattuck Pond Town Forest, one of six town Forests in Francestown, NH. The forest consists of 418 acres that is home to beautiful Shattuck Pond. The main trail, as well as the short side trail are both hiked as "out and back" trails. They are moderately difficult in some sections, with the majority of the trails being fairly easy. The side trail off of the main one is referred to as the "outcrop" but is not named on any map and has no trail sign. Hikers are not able to go completely around Shattuck Pond with one continuous trail, but by hiking the main trail and adding the side trail, hikers will be able to see most of Shattuck Pond's beautiful 25 pristine acres. The main trail begins on Pleasant Pond Road and ends at an old stone wall that is beside Shattuck Pond Road, a class 6 road. Hikers can continue to hike on the Class 6 road, but it is often flooded and only passable with an appropriate vehicle. Otherwise, hikers will end up with wet feet. Both trails are very well marked with blue diamond shaped trail blazes. There are numerous trip hazards such as rocks, roots, lots of downed trees and sticks. There are multiple elevation changes along the trails and there are some narrow sections of trail along the slope above the pond where extra attention should be taken. There are only a couple of sections along the trail that are muddy or wet and where those places exist, there is a small wooden bridge to aid in crossing or stones that will allow a mostly dry crossing. There are lots of very large boulders along the trail and some are truly awe inspiring. We were able to see evidence of beaver activity, seen from the chewed trees adjacent to trail and leading to the pond. There were many scenic areas to stop and take in the beautiful scenery surrounding the pond. Trail maintenance is done by local volunteers and there looks to be a need for some following last winter. We noted a lot of very large trees down with several across or blocking the trail. However, even with all the downed trees, it was not difficult to go around these hazards and remain close to the trail. Since there is no information kiosk at the trail head, a trail map can be downloaded by following this link: https://www.francestownnh.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif581/f/uploads/shattuck_pond_town_forest_trail_map....