Shrewsbury Peak Loop

OVERVIEW: A challenging loop hike to one of the major peaks of the Coolidge Range

TOTAL MILEAGE: 5.4 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 1,400 feet

TERRAIN: Involves some road walk, woodroads, and trails with some steep and rocky climbing

LOCATION: From the W. E. Pierce Grocery Store (now closed) near the intersection of Cold River Road and Northam Road in the center of the village of North Shrewsbury (also called Northam) go northeast on Northam Road for 0.2 miles to a Y. Bear left onto the CCC Road for 2.7 miles. Look for a parking lot on the left with a State Forest bulletin board and, 150 feet back from the road, an old stone chimney. Park in the parking lot. Start your hike on the blue-blazed Shrewsbury Peak Trail, which starts at the northwest corner of the parking lot between the bulletin board and the chimney.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The trail passes in front of the Russell Hill Shelter, goes east of the summit of Russell Hill, through a ravine, across a woodroad, andclimbs to Shrewsbury Peak. At a junction 0.1 miles beyond the peak turn right onto the Black Swamp Trail. Descend past the Shrewsbury Peak Shelter. The trail becomes a woodroad, passes through a gateway, crosses another woodroad and then a bridge, and reaches the Black Swamp trailhead on the CCC Road. Turn right and follow the CCC Road west for 1.3 miles the parking lot by the old stone chimney.

POINTS OF INTEREST: 1. To avoid the road walk, follow the woodroad that runs from just above the bridge on the Black Swamp Trail to a point above the ravine on the Shrewsbury Peak Trail
2. You may find it easier to traverse the loop in the opposite direction. Parking space is available at the Black Swamp trailhead.

OPTIONS: There are good views to the south and east from the summit where you may pick out Ascutney, Kearsage, Monadnock, Okemo, Bromley, and Stratton.

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