Shrine Trail

The Shrine Trail provides a lovely respite into the woods off of Shaker Hill Road in Alfred. Plan on a casual half hour to walk the trail, but if you have additional time on your hands, stop in at the Bakery at Notre Dame for a sweet treat or a loaf of bread to bring home.
Trail Activity
Snowshoeing Walking
Length
0.90 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Alfred
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

What used to be a way to access a favorite skiing hill, the Shrine Trail is now open to the public for year-round walking. The trail begins by heading south along an unpaved road that splits off of Shaker Hill Road (directly across from Anthony Road). This remarkable section of trail leads you past sacred spaces dedicated to the Shaker community and the Brothers of Christian Instruction. You will pass multiple cemeteries, the stations of the cross, and eventually a small shrine, the namesake of this trail.

At the shrine, take a turn east into the woods. The trail ascends gradually but steadily, and views of the neighboring fields are gorgeous at all times of year. Eventually you'll reach Mt. Saint Notre Dame - a surprising granite knob in the woods of Alfred. From atop this knob, the Brothers used to ski down the hill! From the base of the knob, the trail continues west, returning you to a recreational football field just beyond the trail parking area.

Other Information

The Shrine Trail is located on a large parcel of land that has had much historical and spiritual importance in the town of Alfred. If time allows, please explore the campus and the Shaker Museum to learn more about the Shaker Community of Alfred and the Brothers of Christian Instruction. If you are visiting during apple season or maple tapping season, consider a visit to the Giles Family Farm at Notre Dame Orchards or the Giles Family Farm sugar shack - both located off of Shaker Hill Road.

Trail Manager

Visit the Town of Alfred online for more information or contact:

Alfred Conservation Commission

Alfred Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 850
16 Saco Road
Alfred, ME 04002
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know how to choose and use your gear for each trip, factoring in the terrain and conditions.
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Trailhead Information

From Alfred village center, follow US-202 east for 1.1 miles. Veer right onto Shaker Hill Road. Continue 0.5 miles up Shaker Hill. Look for trailhead and parking on your right, just past the Shaker Museum, and directly across from Anthony Road.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
lpabf
August 05, 2019
This trail is not maintained very well. I went and eventually you'll see green arrows pointing in directions, so I followed the arrows, however I got to one area where you couldn't see the trail anymore, so I turned around and got off trail somehow. There are not any blazes like you would see on most trails and these arrows are sporadically placed. Thankfully my phone was tracking the trail map so I could see where I had to go to get back to the trail. Also thankful that the terrain and foliage was such that I could walk through it to get back to the trail.
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