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