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Mt. Jefferson South Loop

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HIKE NAME: Mt. Jefferson South Loop   DISTANCE: 5.4 Miles     DIFFICULTY: Moderate

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles, No bikes

Trailhead: Hubbardston: Mt Jefferson Road near Malone Road. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TyDEABoHEx8VaGKX6

Hike Description: This is a pleasant walk through fields and woods in the northwest side of Hubbardston. The trails loop through pine and deciduous forests and down along Canesto Brook before returning uphill back to the parking area.

Hike Details: Begin the hike by following the Gates Trail out through the large field, parallel to Mt. Jefferson Road.At the end of the field, this trail turns left and descends through the forest in a winding path, eventually emerging to a clearing (point 1) We had hoped to hike left at this point and then right on the Mill Pond Trail, but we found Mill Pond Trail to be underwater at the time (point 2) so we reversed direction and followed Old Cross Trail back out to Mt. Jefferson Road.

Turn left on the paved road and follow to the next trail junction, a right onto the Muzzy Ridge Trail. This was a pleasant short loop on the north side of Mt. Jefferson Road. Return to Mt. Jefferson Road and turn left to return to Old Cross Trail (since we knew that Mill Pond Trail was flooded!).

Take old Cross Trail back down to point 2 and turn left onto the Canesto Brook Trail. This was a little wet at the time of our hike (in a very wet year!). Follow this trail to the big turn onto the Behind the Chimney Trail and turn left. This follows a wide gravel road briefly and then goes off on an easier and smaller woods trail, returning uphill to the parking area.

Other Options to Consider:

There are several options in Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area, as shown on the map. With more time we would have explored the north end of the Mill Pond Trail, at least down to the flooded area. Also, a loop around the entire hiking area, including the Templeton Forest parts which are north of Mt. Jefferson, makes for a seven-ish mile hike. 

The route is nice for snowshoeing.

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