We'll hike the northern portion and a couple of side loops of the 11-mile trail that follows the Monoosnoc Ridge, a range of 1000- to 1200-foot hills on the western fringes of Leominster. Despite the proximity of the "twin cities" of Leominster and Fitchburg, the trail has a very rural feel.  We'll begin by climbing a moderately sloping side trail to the summit of North Monoosnoc Hill, where we'll be rewarded by sweeping views to the north (with route 2 and Twin City Plaza in the foreground, for those into strip malls).  We'll then proceed south along the Monoosnoc Ridge Trail, to a side loop that descends, skirts an abandoned quarry, and then ascends rather steeply to rejoin the main trail at the top of South Monoosnoc Hill.  Shortly we'll take another side loop to an overlook with a commanding view of Mt. Wachusett and its "foothills".  From there we'll head for home, via the main trail and a side spur.  Total distance will be approximately 6 miles; total time about 3 hours.  Bring a snack, water, and other appropriate gear.  After the hike, a visit to the Gardner Ale House (about 15 minutes west in beautiful downtown Gardner) might be in order, for some of the best pizza and micro-brew in New England.

From Boston and other points east:  Take route 2 to the route 190 exit, exit 33.  After exiting, continue straight on Mechanic Street extension rather than bearing right onto the route 190 on-ramp.  At the lights, continue straight on Mechanic Street, which after about a mile intersects Main Street in the center of Leominster.  Continue straight across Main Street; here Mechanic Street becomes West Street.  Follow West Street for about .9 miles and bear left on Granite Street (look for the blue Leominster High School directional sign).  After about a mile Granite Street becomes a dirt road (rough, but passable); shortly thereafter you'll see the trailhead parking lot on the right.  I'll be the tall guy with the green Subaru Legacy.

From the west: take route 2 to the Merriam Ave. exit and go south on Merriam.  After a bit over a mile, turn right on Gibson St., and almost immediately left on West St., and then again almost immediately take a sharp right onto Granite St.  Follow above directions from there.

From the south: take interstate 190 to the Mechanic Street exit (the last exit on 190 before it intersects route 2).  The off ramp merges with the route 2 exit 33 off ramp.  From there, follow the directions in paragraph 1.