The preserve’s white-blazed trail begins with a short quick climb, then follows a low ridge south (with views through the trees of Root Pond and marsh). The path descends steeply right (west) to a boardwalk that crosses an arm of the marsh (a nice spot for kids to explore), then climbs Shaw Mountain. The trail splits and circles the summit in a loop, offering nice views to the west in winter and early spring. Returning to the split, go back the way you came. This is a great hike or snowshoe trip. Look for turkey and bobcat tracks.
The limestone uplift of Shaw Mountain rises over 500 feet from the surrounding land, and is a dominant landscape feature in Benson and adjacent West Haven, Vermont. Shaw Mountain Natural Area supports 11 distinct plant communities, including a shrub swamp, vernal pools, an oak-hickory forest, and a calcareous outcrop community, in addition to 15 rare plant species.
Visit The Nature Conservancy in Vermont online for more information or contact Murray McHugh, Critical Lands Manager for Southern VT:
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