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Fall Hike on Mount Wachusett

When's lunch?

Saturday, October 25, 2025
Princeton, MA
Moderate
Hosted by Carl

The trip report

Written by Carl

Thank you to everyone who joined me for this spectacular fall hike on Wachusett.   Seventeen of us enjoyed a 5-mile loop around the mountain, basking in the muted foliage and colorful conversation.  Extra thanks to Mark & Jim, our sweepers, who helped me to maintain that 80% return rate that I am so proud of.  I hope to see everyone on the trails again soon! 

Event photos (4)

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About this event

Join us for a fall hike on Mount Wachusett in Princeton, MA.  This gem of Central Massachusetts has an observation tower that allows views all the way to Boston on clear days.  Our route brings us around to the north side of the mountain, passing by two wind turbines and a patch of old-growth forest.  We will have lunch at the summit before descending to the parking lot via the short Pine Hill Trail. It will be about 5 miles with 1,200' of elevation gain.  We should finish around 12:30-1pm.   This time of year should be right around peak foliage in the area.  I hope you can join us!

  • Wachusett Mountain State Reservation site: https://www.mass.gov/locations/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation
  • AllTrails map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/wachusett-summit-loop
  • 10 Essentials of hiking: https://americanhiking.org/10essentials/

Who came along (15)

Carl SUSTAINING
Carl
Leominster, MA
J GUEST MEMBER
jconroy
Beverly, MA
regularguyma SUSTAINING
regularguyma
BOSTON, MA
J GUEST MEMBER
Justjim
Boston , MA
mharless GUEST MEMBER
mharless
Allston, MA
A member
Profile hidden
Mr. Magoo SUSTAINING
Mr. Magoo
West Boylston, MA
A member
Profile hidden
KeithES SUSTAINING
KeithES
Jamaica Plain, MA
ryanm GUEST MEMBER
ryanm
Poughkeepsie, NY
W SUSTAINING
WalkingGuy
Fitchburg, MA
A member
Profile hidden
StarrySky SUSTAINING
StarrySky
Sheffield, MA
A member
Profile hidden
Don59 GUEST MEMBER
Don59
Townsend, MA

Comments

Carl · Oct 20, 2025
It looks like we have a lot of interest in Saturday’s hike on Wachusett, which is great! This rain should be heading out midweek, and by Saturday, it will be 50-55 degrees, mostly sunny, with light winds. There is a parking fee of $5 for in-state, and $20 for out-of-state cars. If you know others going on the hike, I recommend carpooling. If you want to carpool but don’t know anyone on the hike (especially if you’re coming from out of state), please reach out to me at 781-405-7470.
Carl · Oct 20, 2025
Please remember to bring lunch for the summit. It is the weekend before Halloween, so if you want to wear a costume of some sort--feel free!
mharless · Oct 21, 2025
I wonder if anyone driving would be so kind as to pick me up in Allston (or Cambridge, or Brookline)?
mharless · Oct 21, 2025
I wonder if anyone driving would be so kind as to pick me up in Allston (or Cambridge, or Brookline)?
Carl · Oct 24, 2025
It looks like we have a big crowd for tomorrow — everyone is welcome. We'll just make sure we have a sweeper to keep the group together. Temps should be around 45-50 for the hike tomorrow, so bring layers. If anyone wants to avoid the parking fee ($20 out-of-state, $5 in-state), there is a free parking lot about a mile south at Mountain House Trailhead. Let me know if you are interested in doing this so that we ensure everyone has a ride to the main lot.
ryanm · Oct 24, 2025
I'm coming from NY and would be interested in parking at the Mountain House lot. Would someone be able to pick me up from there?

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