Thoreau 200th Birthday Hike

Group: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

When: Saturday, July 15, 11 am

Where: Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Princeton, MA

Cost: $5 vehicle fee ($6 out-of-state vehicles)

Details: Thoreau walked from his hometown of Concord Massachusetts and climbed Wachusett Mountain in 1842. Come join us as we relive part of his historic hike. This event will include an interpretive program at the summit and then an optional hike to explore part of the route Thoreau took on his famous walk to Wachusett. Meet the Park Interpreter at the Wachusett Mountain Summit next to the fire tower at 11:00am to enjoy readings from the great author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau and to discover information about his life and writings. For those who wish to take part, the second portion of the program will begin immediately following the summit program. It will be an optional hike from the summit along part of the path that Henry David Thoreau followed in 1842. The hike will begin at the summit at 11:30am and will take approximately 1½ hours, covering about one mile, with stops for readings along the way. The Park Interpreter will also share insights into the natural history of Wachusett Mountain. The hike is fairly strenuous, with some steep and rocky stretches, so be prepared. You may drive up the Summit Parkway to attend the program, but there is limited parking in the summit lot, so please plan accordingly. Please note that the program is free, but there is a $5 fee to drive to the summit for MA vehicles or $6 for out-of-state vehicles. For more information please call 978 464-2987.