Leominster - North Monoosnoc to Rocky pond Trail

Monoosnoc to Rocky Pond

HIKE NAME:  Monoosnoc to Rocky Pond   DISTANCE: 6.3 Miles     DIFFICULTY: Moderate-Difficult

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Trailhead: Leominster. End of West Road. Take Merriam or Abbot Road off of Route 2, then to Liddell Ave, and then to West Road. There is a parking lot and kiosk at the end. https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEavVde7DyExxpAQ6

Hike Description:  This is a one way hike from northwest Leominster to Rocky Pond trail parking lot in Princeton. We dropped cars at ROcky Pond trailhead in Princeton and drove to Leominster to start the hike. 

The hike goes by the overlook on top of North Monoosnoc Hill, and then descends by Notown Reservoir and through Leominster State Forest to return to the Rocky Pond Trailhead.

Total elevation is 1000 feet, and most of the hike is downhill after summiting North Monoosnoc.

Links:  Monoosnoc Trails Page; LSF Trail Map

Hike Details: 

The first half mile of this hike is all uphill, climbing North Monoosnoc Hill. In the winter it is also icy or wet as it runs along a stream bed. There is a fine view to the east from near the top. On the Monoosnoc side of the hike (until the turn down to Notown Reservoir) there are map signs at junctions to allow easy identification of progress. For the first two miles of the hike, follow the blue blazes of the Monoosnoc Trail, which continues to Sholan Farms.

The hike goes over the top of North Monoosnoc and then on gravel roads and trails past the power lines (some view) to Leominster Trail Stewards trail marker #50. 

Turn right at that point to exit the Monoosnoc system and proceed down near the south end of Notown Reservoir, which is a pretty spot. Close to the end of Notown Reservoir there is a small trail to the right, which leads to the shore and is a nice spot to stop for photos. During one of our hikes, we spotted a bald eagle across the water. The main trail which goes past Notown Reservoir can be quite wet and muddy at times.

Follow the main trail to Parmenter Road in Leominster State Forest and turn right. Take Parmenter Road past Rocky Pond where it turns into Rocky Pond Road (Princeton) and proceeds to the parking area by Route 31.Several boundary/witness stones are passed on the right side of Rocky Pond Road, as this path follows the Princeton-Westminster line.

Other Options to Consider: 

There are many options once you pass Notown Reservoir and hike through Leominster State Forest. One is to take the curvy bike trail called 'Organism Trail' which curves back to Parmenter Road (which turns into Rocky Pond Road at the Princeton line). Another is to take the smaller trails back to or around Rocky Pond going to Rocky Pond Road.

A longer loop can be made by going over the top of South Monoosnoc Hill (which has a nice view to Wachusett) and looping to the right (west). This gains the view but misses the walk by Notown Reservoir.

Historical Notes: 

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Monoosnoc to Rocky Pond - Trail

Navigating the trail by Notown Reservoir

Monoosnoc to ROcky Pond HIkers

Monoosnoc to Rocky Pond Hikers