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Wachusett Mountain Parkway Rehabilitation & Summit Enhancement Presentation, 11/19/09

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

Rising above the surrounding forest to a height of 2006 feet, Mount Wachusett stands as a unique landmark within the central New England landscape. From the summit, a clear day reveals views of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, the Berkshires to the west, and the Boston skyline to the east. The 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation surrounds the summit and offers a wealth of natural and recreational resources. The Reservation's natural resources include forests, alpine meadows, ponds, streams, fields, and even a perched bog. Recreational opportunities abound at the reservation including hiking, nature study, hawk watching, picnicking, and skiing. The Reservation offers 17 miles of hiking and walking trails, including 3.9 miles of the Midstate Trail, which runs from Ashburnham to the Rhode Island border. Mountain Road stretches to the John Hitchcock Visitor's Center at the summit, a short distance from the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, which is the largest in eastern Massachusetts.

Wachusett Mountain is part of an extensive greenway area, including Leominster State Forest, Massachusetts Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and Minns Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also the location of the largest known area of Old Growth Forest east of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, with trees dating over 350 years old. Evidence of the glacial activity which shaped the mountain can be seen at Balance Rock; two large boulders were stacked one on top of the other by moving glaciers thousands of years ago.

Trail Maps
Download printable version (pdf)
Click here to view Midstate Trail map

Things to know before you go...

Q-	Is the road to the summit open?
A-	The road to the summit is open from Memorial Day through the last weekend in October 9:00 am until sunset.
Q-	Is there a fee for parking?
A-	There is a $2.00 fee to access parking along the summit road.
Q-	Do you have bathrooms at the summit?
A-	No, the only restroom facilities are at the visitor center.
Q-	Can I have a cookout at Wachusett Mountain?
A-	Yes, Although there are no grills at the summit,  there are two picnic areas along the summit road with picnic tables and charcoal grills (charcoal not provided).
Q-	Are refreshments sold at Wachusett Mountain?
A-	Wachusett Mountain has two vending machines located at the visitor center, one with snacks and one with beverages.  However, it is recommended to bring plenty of food and water for your trip.

 

Park Directions

The reservation is located in north central Massachusetts.

From the East/Northeast/Southeast

Take I-495 to exit 29, Rt. 2 west.

Take Rt. 2 west to exit 25, Rt. 140 south.

At the top of the exit ramp take a right onto Rt. 140 south.

Drive 2.1 miles on Rt. 140 south and take a right onto Mile Hill Rd.

Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road, take left fork onto Mountain Rd.

Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd.

Park entrance is on right.

OR

Take 1-90 (MA PIKE) west to exit 10, I-290 north.

Drive 7.3 miles on I-290 north to exit 19, I-190 north.

Drive 9 miles on I-190 north to exit 5, Rt. 140 north.

Drive 9.3 miles on Rt. 140 north and take a left onto Mile Hill Rd.

Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road, bear left at fork onto Mountain Rd.

Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd.

Park entrance is on right.

From the West/Northwest

Take I-91 to Exit 27, Rt. 2 east.

Drive 31 miles on Rt. 2 east to exit 25, Rt. 140 south.

Take Rt. 2 east to exit 25, Rt. 140 south.

 At the top of the exit ramp take a left onto Rt. 140 south.

Drive 2.1 miles on Rt. 140 south and take a right onto Mile Hill Rd.

Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road bear left at fork onto Mountain Rd.

Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd.

Park entrance is on right.

From the Southwest

Take I-90 (MA PIKE) east to Exit 10, I-290 north.

Drive 7.3 miles on I-290 north to exit 19, I-190 north.

Drive 9 miles on I-190 north to exit 5, Rt. 140 north.

Drive 9.3 miles on Rt. 140 north and take a left onto Mile Hill Rd.

Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road, bear left at fork onto Mountain Rd.

Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd.

Park entrance is on right.

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