Tried to take advantage of a small window of dry weather after work this afternoon by heading east just over the state line into Massachusetts to do a quick hike up 1838 foot Shaker Mountain. Parked in the large pull off along Route 20 across the road from the Hancock Shaker Village and headed north past the gate on the North Family Trail(Elevation 1181 feet), quickly arriving at the shore of Shaker Reservoir, which was constructed all the way back in 1790. Just beyond the treeline in the near distance is Shaker Mountain's ridge poking out.
Beyond the Reservoir, I continued north on the wide old road, with a refreshing breeze keeping it comfortable. Green and white trail blazes guide the way in the shady forest.
Babbling Shaker Brook accompanies the trail for a distance, making for a peaceful, soothing soundtrack.
The brook comes crashing down in a couple of small, but pretty cascades at the site of the Lower Dam, which supplied water to the Hancock Village. There are many retaining walls and stone remnants that still remain today.
The trail up Shaker Mountain is fairly easy, with nothing too steep, although you will definitely know you're climbing. Just before arriving at the summit, you will encounter a large clearing that seems out of place. This was the site of the Hancock Shaker Village's religious holy ground, where the Shaker's held services every spring and fall.
There are small white fences that mark each of the four corners in the clearing of the Holy Site.
The Holy Ground is not actually located at the summit, so you must continue on the trail a short distance further and then take a herd path over to an airplane beacon, which sits in a small clearing. The true summit sits back in the woods a couple hundred feet from here, and is fully treed in.
With threatening skies above, I decided to head back down the way I came in an attempt to stay dry. Once back down low I enjoyed checking out some of the old remnants, which are accompanied with interpretive signing.
One last look at beautiful Shaker Brook before heading back to the car.
A nice and easy 3 miles RT with 800 feet of ascent, and luckily the rain held off(other than a very light drizzle a couple of times). The iffy weather must've been enough to keep people away, as I didn't see another soul the entire hike.
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