Boston: Wachusett Mountain Loop
This 5.8-mile loop takes you through a 400-year-old forest to summit the highest Bay State peak east of the Berkshires.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 9.4
Waypoints
WML001
Location: 42.5036506652832, -71.8874664306641
Follow Balance Rock Trail (on W end of lot) to its namesakes-precariously balanced boulders left by glaciers. Go straight, cross dirt road, and follow Old Indian Trail
WML002
Location: 42.5007514953613, -71.8943023681641
Stay straight @ jct. with Semuhenna Trail; steady climb on rocky, root-laced path through old-growth forest; cross 4 ski runs; Wachusett Lake’s blue waters glimmer in NW
WML003
Location: 42.4958343505859, -71.8907012939453
Turn L, follow painted footprints on road; in 150 ft., R into woods for steep ascent up rock slabs stacked like pancakes
WML004
Location: 42.4891510009766, -71.8871841430664
Wachusett Mtn.; see Boston skyline outlined in E and Mt. Monadnock rising to N. Follow Harrington Trail on W side of summit for steep, rocky descent
WML005
Location: 42.4865684509277, -71.8892974853516
Turn R (stay on Harrington Trail); in 200 ft., go straight @ Semuhenna Trail jct.; cross several brooks and old roads; pass trees sprouting shelf like fungus
WML006
Location: 42.4806823730469, -71.8989868164062
Turn L onto Stage Coach Trail before stone wall; in .2 mi., pass windmill farm on R; straight on dirt road
WML007
Location: 42.474666595459, -71.8948135375976
Pass metal gate and fire pond; turn L onto Echo Lake Trail; pine needles provide cushy ground cover
WML008
Location: 42.4766654968262, -71.8896865844726
R onto Echo Lake Rd.; after lake, immediate L onto High Meadow Trail
WML009
Location: 42.4797515869141, -71.8857803344726
R onto rugged Bicentennial Trail; scramble along lichen-covered rocks
WML010
Location: 42.4908676147461, -71.8794479370117
Follow Up Summit Rd. from visitor center; turn R @ parking/picnic area onto Donbrowo Trail for gentle descent back to ski area