Laurel Loop

This route begins at the Contact Station on Laurel Lake Road in Erving State Forest. From the parking area, follow the trail to the right of the station to start the route, which winds through a mix of forested habitats and concludes a short distance down the road from where it began. This self-guided interpretive hike highlights local ecology with well-placed signs focused on flora and fauna. Mountain laurel shrubs line much of the route, putting on a particularly colorful display in mid-June. Along the way, hikers encounter a variety of terrain, with moderate elevation changes and short inclines. A high point along the trail offers the park’s most prominent view of Mount Monadnock in the distance. This short educational route is a good choice for hikers looking to explore local ecology.