Shaw Mountain

OVERVIEW: Climb a small mountain in a natural area preserved by the Nature Conservancy.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 2.6 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 600 feet

TERRAIN: Standard trail

LOCATION: From the Benson Village Store at the intersection of Lake Road and Stage Road in the center of Benson village, take Lake Road west for 1.1 miles; turn left onto Park Hill Road for 0.6 miles; turn right onto Money Hole Road for 1.7 miles to a Shaw Mountain Natural Area sign on your left. Park in the small turnout on the left.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The trail (white blazes; some white with a blue stripe) begins up the hill behind the sign. In 0.8 miles, shortly after crossing a footbridge, the trail reaches a T-junction, which is the beginning of a 1-mile trail loop. Take either branch to complete the loop and return to the T-junction.

POINTS OF INTEREST: The Nature Conservancy has preserved the Shaw Mountain Natural Area because of the wide diversity of its flora and fauna in seven different ecological communities. Twenty-five rare plant species have been identified.

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