Lovers Lane to Overlook Road (Rutland)

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HIKE NAME:  Lovers Lane to Overlook Farm   DISTANCE:  3.5 Miles     DIFFICULTY: Easy-Moderate

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Trailhead:  Princeton. There is a small parking area at the gate at the end of Lovers Lane in western Princeton (off Brooks Station Road). https://goo.gl/maps/DfvdcT6dvgU6ZSMR8

Hike Description:  This hike is an easy walk with some hills along a gravel road over to Overlook Road in Rutland, and optionally can include a walk through the woods on the Rutland side of the gravel road.Total elevation is 300 feet.

The roads through this area are public roads, however there are signs prohibiting trespassing off the roads onto property owned by the City of Worcester’s Department of Public Works.

Links:  None

Hike Details: 

Passing through the gate, the road turns to gravel and runs down beside the junction of South Wachusett Brook and Cobb Brook to the intersection with Old Mill Road. Old Mill Road originally ran from Ball Hill Road across South Wachusett Brook, past the south end of the Quinapoxet Reservoir and into Rutland. The bridge has long since been removed.

At the bridge abutment, there is a nice view of the reservoir and across the river of some of the residue of the mill that was originally on this site. The area on the other side of the river can be visited from Old Mill Road (off Ball Hill Road) on the Princeton side.This area is a favorite place for birding. There is also a gravel road to the left of the main road that heads a ways along the shore of the reservoir.

This road continues to the right through the forest, and over the train tracks, with a few small hills, before emerging into large fields on Overlook Road in Rutland. At this point the hike reverses direction and returns to the start. Note: this section of rail is still in operation with frequent train usage daily.Other Options to Consider: 

There are some undocumented trails on the north (right) side of the gravel road that lead up to the Overlook Farm buildings. With owner permission, a path on the north side leads up to Lilac Hedge Farm.

Historical Notes: 

The area on the Overlook Road / Rutland side of the trail was owned by  Heifer Project International for many years, providing education in sustainable farming.

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Lovers Lane People

Senior HIkers on Overlook Road (Rutland)

Lovers Lane Road

Old Mill Road heading toward Rutland