Gentian Pond Out and Back

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

This is one of the quickest ways from pastoral Shelburne to high Mahoosuc splendor. You'll run a gradually-ascending logging road for 2.5 miles (spectacular in the fall) before starting the steep climb up to Gentian Pond and the Appalachian Trail. The final half mile is very steep, switchbacking across rocky ledges, before arriving at the AT shelter near the lake.

The lower portions of the route border private property on the left side. Please follow signed trails only in this region. Logging operations are occasionally active in the area. Watch for trucks on the road.

Start at the junction of North Road and Meadow Road in Shelburne and run up the wide Millbrook Road. This road is passable by passenger cars for at least a mile and you may find occasional logging trucks sharing the "trail" with you.

Don't worry, it gets better.

After two miles and a couple of decent but doable hills, you'll cross the Mill Brook and start to climb purposefully toward the mountains ahead. Look carefully at 2.5 miles for a signed junction on the right for the Austin Brook Trail. Bear right half a mile later as the trail to Dryad Falls splits left. Continue climbing through birch, beech, and pine forest. The slope eases at mile 3.5 as you traverse some beaver bogs before meeting the final climb up to the lake and shelter.

Moose and mosquitos.

Gentian Pond is the last shelter on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire for northbound runners (or the first for southbound) and marks the beginning of the challenging Mahoosuc Range. Much more adventure awaits beyond!