Fundy and Shaw Loop Trail

The Fundy and Shaw Loop Trail is located within Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire. You'll find parking areas within the park that provide access to various trailheads. Specific parking for this loop often involves starting near the Fundy Trail or Shaw Trail access points within the park.

Yes, Pawtuckaway State Park typically requires an entrance fee, especially during peak season. It's best to check the official New Hampshire State Parks website for current fee schedules and operating hours before your visit. No special hiking permits are usually needed beyond the park entrance fee.

Generally, dogs are allowed on trails within Pawtuckaway State Park, including this loop. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring brings lush greenery and active wildlife, but can also mean muddy and buggy conditions, especially in marshy areas. Summer is popular but can be warm. Fall provides beautiful foliage. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for potentially icy conditions on steeper descents, especially on the north side of the mountains. For wildlife viewing, early morning or evening are often best.

The terrain is quite varied, ranging from easy, flat sections through woodlands and alongside wetlands (like the Fundy Trail portion) to more moderate climbs and boulder-filled forests, particularly when incorporating sections of the Shaw Trail that lead towards the mountains. Some descents can be steep, and you might encounter muddy or buggy spots in marshy areas.

The overall loop is generally considered moderate. While the Fundy Trail itself is easy and flat, combining it with the Shaw Trail and other routes to create a longer loop can involve more challenging sections with steeper climbs and boulder fields. Beginners with some fitness should be fine, but be prepared for varied conditions and some elevation gain.

You'll experience diverse scenery, from pleasant woodlands to wetlands bordering Burnham's Marsh, where you might spot beavers, deer, and great blue herons. For those who extend their hike to the mountain summits, panoramic views of southeastern New Hampshire are available from the fire tower on South Mountain. The park is also known for its unique glacial boulder fields.

Yes, if your loop extends to the mountain summits, you can reach the Pawtuckaway Fire Tower on South Mountain, which offers spectacular panoramic views. The park also features distinctive glacial boulder fields, which are geological points of interest and even used by rock climbers.

Yes, the Fundy and Shaw Loop Trail is often a combination of trails within Pawtuckaway State Park. This route specifically passes through sections of the Shaw Trail, Fundy Trail, South Ridge Trail, Split Rock Trail, and Boulder Trail. These connections allow for creating longer and more varied loop hikes.

To experience the full diversity of Pawtuckaway State Park, consider extending your hike beyond just the Fundy and Shaw sections to include the mountain summits. While this increases the difficulty, reaching the fire tower on South Mountain offers unparalleled panoramic views that are well worth the extra effort. Just be prepared for steeper climbs and descents.

This specific route, which is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long, typically takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes to complete. However, your actual hiking time may vary depending on your pace, the number of stops you make, and trail conditions.