Mt. Wachusett via Bicentennial, Dickens, Mtn. House (Wachusett Mountain State Reservation)
Hike Type: Lollipop Figure-8 w/ Spurs
Distance: 8.08 miles
Elevation: 1929 feet
Time: 4 hours, 32 minutes (4 hours, 21 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Wachusett Trail Tracer, Summit Beer Society
Hiking Challenges: Wachusett Trail Tracer, Summit Beer Society
The Hike
After skiing Wachusett on Sunday, I felt it was only appropriate to start hiking it again! I took this Wednesday off to get bloodwork done, and I ended up also figuring out my dental insurance, booking a lung function test (#asthma), and getting my oil changed - truly a very productive day. I made my way to the reservation headquarters parking lot around noon and got hiking right away! I also left a Cumbies Chicken Empanada on my dashboard as a little experiment... more on that later.
I had originally planned for an expected 5-ish mile hike, making my way to the High Meadow, up to Mountain House, down Loop, all the way up Mountain House, and then down Pine Hill (all connected via Bicentennial), but I was feeling good and excited to be out in the woods, so I extended it. The hike started on the Bicentennial Trail trailhead, where there was some hard packed slush. I didn't need spikes here, but they were definitely useful. There was lots of running water, which was equally scenic as it was disheartening, because I KNEW it would just be getting wore. I realized when I took my spikes on and off a couple times that it was going to be a slow hiking day, and reminded myself that that's okay!
My spikes came off for a while after the junction with Pine Hill, where the impressive roots and ridiculous rocks started. I mistakenly took the Loop Trail at the next junction, but thankfully corrected my mistake before getting too far in. Back on Bicentennial, the rocks truly revved up, and I accidentally beheaded my bladder nosel which created a whole sprinkler situation. I again reminded myself that it is okay to slow down! Somewhere between the Loop and Mountain House junctions I spooked a family of deer - at least 6 of them! The went in all different directions, so naturally I felt terrible for splitting them up, but their tails didn't go up so I think we're good??
There were two WET sections before the Mountain House Junction - both beautiful, but waterproof boots definitely came in handy. The second was surrounded by beautiful green mountain laurel, which definitely made up for the water! I saw a few people around the Mountain House Trail junction and there was a very impressive, intact stone wall. I always struggle with photographing stone walls nicely, but I'm happy with how I captured this one.
Spikes were on and off a few more times, I appreciated the view of High Meadow, and somehow made it down to Echo Lake without getting soaked. The sun was out and shining and felt AMAZING, and even with every trail condition imaginable, the woods were starting to smell like spring. Echo Lake was starting to melt, and the road from the lake all the way through most of the Echo Lake Trail were still covered in slushy snow - spikes back on!
The Echo Lake Trail was a bit of a mess, with plenty of blowdowns and difficult slush, but I got to see my first angry red squirrel of the season! At the terminus I appreciated the overflowing Machias Pool and thought about what my next steps would be. I could stick to my original plan and go back over Echo Lake, back up High Meadow, and head to the summit, or I could extend my hike and add on Harrington, Stage Coach, Windmill, and Dickens trails. I was feeling good, the weather was BEAUTIFUL, so I decided to extend! This involved heading up Stage Coach Road to the wind farm.
The wind turbines weren't blowing this afternoon due to the low wind, but they're still a sight to behold. The first half of Stage Coach was wet and muddy - it was a stream at some points. The second half was wet and snowy and slushy and icy but also a little dry? A common theme for the day. Spike went back on at the junction with Harrington once I realized there was snow in every direction. I was very grateful that I bought new Hillsound spikes - my Kahtoolas are now officially my rock spikes becuase they were taking a BEATING today.
The Harrington Trail was rough - slushy and post hole-y for much of the length. The trail eventually veered left and the slush turned into mud... spikes back off. I missed the turn for the Windmill Trail, but I knew I'd be returning the same way, so I saved that for later. The final stretch of Harrington was actually dry for about 50 feet, until it wasn't anymore. I crossed Westminster Road and did the out-and-back along the Dickens Trail - a lovely, quiet trail, fully of snow, ice, dirt, mud, streams, puddles, and slush along the trail. There were a few blowdowns that were manageable. There is a beautiful dammed swamp that I wanted to stare at for longer, but some of the springtime bugs have woken up. I made my way to the property boundary, turned around, and wiggled my way all the way back to the junction with the Harrington and Windmill Trails.
The Windmill Trail was barely recognizable, with only a few very faded blue blazes to guide the way. There wasn't a clear footbed, so it felt like a guided bushwhack - it was also steep, which added to my crankiness. At the terminus, I noticed there was a sign that said "enter at your own risk" - which I interpreted as "use this area as a cut-through so you don't have to slog through the Harrington Trail again, and don't die", which worked excellently!
I reentered the woods just around the height of land on the Stage Coach Trail - spike back on. From here, I made my way back to the Harrington Junction, turned right onto Harrington, and maneuvered the dry/wet/snowy conditions that seemed to randomly change every 40 feet. I love the bridged brook crossings on this trail, and love even more that they're labeled! West and Administration Roads were both still decently snow-covered, and the final stretch of the Harrington Trail up to the Link Trail had traces of snow/ice/slush, but was bareboot-able.
My lungs were pumping as I followed Harrington, through the Link Trail, and then to the loop trail, but it wasn't too bad beside some minor scrambles. My spikes were off for all of the Loop Trail, which was a lovely trail. Just rugged enough to be fun, but not annoying. There were nice seasonal views towards the horizon and Boston through the trees, and right before the junction with Bicentennial there was a lovely open vista.
Now all I had left was a re-hike of the section of Bicentennial between Loop and Mountain House, the final climb up to the summit, and then the hike down via Pine Hill. Bicentennial was status-quo, but just a bit more wet than last time due to the day's snow melt. I also realized that I officially had my first SOAKED butt of the season! The Mountain house Trail is wide wide, and sort of forviging with the occasional flatter section after a steeper one, but it's pretty consistent. The trail was literally a waterfall for 80% of the hike, which was equal parts difficult and beautiful. I passed a well-trained dog which made my day, and slowly began to like the trail less and less - with each turn there was more to climb!
I took a longer break at the junction with the loop trail because someone was close ahead of me, and not at all because I was fighting for my life! The trail got a bit slushy again after it crossed the auto road, but I was far too stubborn to put spikes back on. The summit itself was uncrowded which was lovely, and also a bit windy. I put my hoodie over my soaked shirt, enjoyed the views (mostly of Monadnock), and found a seat sheltered from the wind to enjoy my summit beverage (pumpkin mule) and snack (two beef sticks). Annoyances aside, it's been a lovely day!
My final test, and it sure was a test, was to make it down the Pine Hill Trail. I knew it would be a test right away when I was following a woman who talked to her dogs like they were infants... nonstop. It was a lot. The second phase of the test was actually getting down in one piece! Slippery slush over ice is a WILD combo. I inched my way down step by step, trying to find any bit of rock or texture to save me if I fell. Because of this, I never actually caught up to #dogmom.
The trail itself is very pretty - endless stone steps well manicured, similar to those at Acadia, paralleling what looks like an old slide. The guidebooks says this trail is an old ski route. As I dodged death (and some post holes over a foot deep), I finally made it to the auto road crossing, where the trail conditions slightly improved. More importantly, the #dogmom took the road down so I was FREE! There were still some tough spots, but it was nice to not be following an overexcited narration of a chihuahua's journey down Mt. Wachusett.
My knee was starting to act up, I questioned if I actually enjoyed hiking, but life dramatically improved once I was back on the Bicentennial Trail. I should have put my spikes back on one last time, but I truly could not be bothered to stop. I passed a few groups going up for the sunset, one was well prepared, and one was two guys in sneakers... I think they caught the hint that they wouldn't be making it. Back at my car, I got cleaned up, ate the Cumbies empanata that's been on my dashboard all afternoon, and made the drive back home.
Step-By-Step
- Park at Reservation Headquarters.
- Start hike on Bicentennial Trail.
- At terminus, turn left onto High Meadow Trail.
- At terminus, veer right onto Echo Lake Rd.
- At next junction, turn left onto Echo Lake Trail.
- At terminus, continue hike onto Stage Coach Rd.
- At next junction, veer right onto Stage Coach Trail.
- At terminus, turn left onto Harrington Trail.
- At Westminster Rd, continue onto Dickens Trail.
- At park boundary, turn around.
- At Westminster Rd, continue onto Harrington Trail.
- Just past height of land, turn right onto unclear Windmill Trail.
- At terminus, turn left onto windmill access road.
- At split, veer right to continue.
- Continue into woods, turn left back onto Stage Coach Trail.
- At terminus, turn right onto Harrington Trail.
- Cross West Rd.
- Cross Administration Rd.
- Turn right onto Link Trail.
- At terminus, turn right onto Mountain House Trail.
- Soon after, turn left onto Loop Trail.
- At terminus, turn right onto Bicentennial Trail.
- At next junction, turn right onto Mountain House Trail.
- Summit Mt. Wachusett.
- Descend via Pine Hill Trail.
- At terminus, turn left onto Bicentennial Trail.
- Return to car.
"Wachusett Mtn. State Reservation" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
The summit of Wachusett Mtn. (2,007 ft.) is the highest point east of the Connecticut River and south of New Hampshire. Wachusett Mtn. State Reservation encompasses the mountain and protects 2,250 acre in the towns of Princeton and Westminster. Though its height is modest by the standards of other New England Peaks, Wachusett Mtn. rises alone above the surrounding landscape, and on clear day panoramic views from the summit stretch the length of Massachusetts from the Boston skyline to the Berkshire Hills.
The reservation offers 17 mi. of hiking trails, including 3.9 mi. of Midstate Trail, and is home to the largest tract of old-growth forest east of the Connecticut River, with trees up to 350 years old. Hiking trails are marked with blue blazes, and thoe that overlap with Midstate Trail also have yellow blazes. The park headquarters and visitor center are on Mtn. Rd. in Princeton, which is also the starting point for several of the hiking trails; trail maps are available here. Recent improvements include a new observation deck and paved parking areas at the summit. The auto road is open to vehicles from late spring to early fall ($5 for Massachusetts residents, $20 for nonresidents).
The gate to the main parking lot at the visitor center is closed sunset; hikers anticipating a later return should use the lot adjacent to the booth at the base of the auto road. Other roads in the reservation are closed to cars at all times. A popular ski area operates on the north slope of the mountain during winter. Hikers are not permitted on teh alpine ski slopes and trails except at crossings. Universal-access restroons are available at the visitor center and summit, and picnic areas lie near the auto road.
To reach the Wachusett Mtn. State Reservation headquarters and visitor center, from the jct. of MA 2 and MA 140 in Westminster, follow MA 140 south for 2.0 mi. and then turn right onto Mile Hill Rd. Follow Mile Hill Rd. for 0.5 mi., passing the ski area on the right, and continue uphill to the reservation entrance and visitor center on the right-hand side of Mtn. Rd. From the south, from the jct. of MA 31, MA 62, and Mtn. Rd. in Princeton center, follow Mtn. Rd. north for 3.0 mi.
"Midstate Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
The long-distance Midtate Trail, marked by yellow triangular blazes, traverses Wachuett Mtn. See Midstate Trail, section 4, Redemption Rock (MA 140) to Wachusett Meadow, on p. 212.
"Pine Hill Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
The shortest route to the top of Wachusett Mtn. is via this moderately steep old ski trail on the eastern side of the mountain. From the visitor center parking area, take bicentennial Trail south to the Pine Hill Trail jct. Turn right onto Pine Hill Trail and begin the rocky ascent. After crossing the auto road, continue to the nearby summit at 0.6 mi.
"Mtn. House Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
This trail ascends Wachusett Mtn. from the south. Parking is available at the trailhead near the jct. of Gregory Rd. and Mtn. Rd., 2.4 mi. north of Princeton center. The trail takes its name from the famous Mtn. House, an elaborate hotel taht was formerly nearby. (The stone walls and cellar holes are still visible.)
Mtn. House Trail climbs rather steeply up an eroded pathway through hardwood forest, passing jcts. with Bicentennial Trail, Loop Trail, Jack Frost Trail, and Link Trail. It then turns north and crosses a stone wall and the auto road. From here, the trail levels off and parallels the upper auto road, reaching the summit at 1.0 mi.
"Harrington Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
This trail begins on Westminster Rd., 0.5 mi. west of its jct. with Administration Rd. It leaves on the north side of the road opposite Dickens Trail. Limited parking is available at the trailhead.
Harrington Trail heads uphill through a field, turns to the northeast, and follows a stone wall on the left as it enters the woods. It quickly turns left onto a wood road and continues to the jct. with Stage Coach Trail at 0.4 mi. Harrington Trail soon goes across a stone wall and then passes through a stand of large hemlocks before bearing left (north) and crossing a streambed. It then bears right (northeast) to cross West Rd.
As Harrington Trail starts climbing again, painted white blazes are visible, and at 0.9 mi. the trail crosses Administration Rd. (This point is about 0.8 mi. north of the lower end of Administration Rd.) After passing Lower Link Trail and crossing three seasonal streams, Harrington Trail climbs more steeply, levels off, and resumes climbing among rocks. It passes jcts. with Semuhenne Trail on the left and Link Trail on the right near a rocky ledge and then continues northeast along the rugged upper slopes.
Harrington Trail goes over a stone wall along the side of the summit road, croses the road, and then climbs northeast over less difficult rocks and ledges. The open summit is soon in sight, and then the trail terminates on the flat rocks southwest of the fire tower.
"Dickens Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
This route, an extension of Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary's Chapman Trail, connects the sanctuary with the Wachusett Mtn. State Reservation trail system. It is part of the Midstate Trail. From the sanctuary boundary north of Thompson Rd., Dickens Trail heads north to Westminster Rd. opposite Harrington Trail. Dickens Trail joins a woods road and crosses the right of way for AT&T continental underground lines just before it ends on Westminster Rd.
"Connecting Trails: Loop Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
Loop Trail (0.4 mi.) provides a cutoff route that connects Bicentennial Trail and the middle part of Mtn. House Trail. The trailhead on Bicentennial Trail is just south of Pine Hill Trail.
"Connecting Trails: Bicentennial Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
"Rocky Bicentennial Trail serves as a connecting path for several of the popular summit routes. It begins at the visitor center and runs south parallel to Mtn. Rd., passing jcts. with Pine Hill Trail, Loop Trail, and Mtn. House Trail before turning steeply upward to end at High Meadow Trail at 0.7 mi.
"Connecting Trails: Stage Coach Trail" from Massachusetts Trail Guide, 11th, Ed. (2021)
Originally called Old Country Rd., this 0.5-mi. trail explores the quiet southwest corner of the reservation. It connects Harrington Trail to the parking area on Westminster Rd. next to Machias Pool, just below the Administration Rd. gate.
