Princeton Hikes! Schedule

A series of Hikes through Princeton and surrounding towns

The Open Space Committee is leading a series of hikes in the trails around Princeton. our objectives are to showcase Princeton Hiking Trails, foster a community hiking group, and provide a safe way to explore Princeton and surrounding towns.

Current fixed plans are to h

  • Saturday December 9th at 9AM: East Princeton from Stuart Pond, including Cat Rocks and the Onion Patch. 4 Miles, moderate.
  • Wednesday December 13th at 2PM: Russell Corner Loop, down to the beaver pond and Hall Field. 3 Miles, Easy-Moderate.
  • Saturday December 30th at 9AM: High Ridge Wildlife Management Area. 4 Mile loop, Easy-Moderate.
  • Saturday Feb 3rd, 7-9PM: Astronomy and Dark Sky awareness at Krashes Field (Princeton Environmental Action Committee)
  • Saturday January 13th at 9AM: Monoosnoc North to Rocky Pond. 6 Mile one way hike from West Road in Leominster past Notown Reservoir and out to Rocky Pond Rd. Moderate-Difficult.
  • Wednesday January17th at 2PM: Hogg Hill Sterling. 3 Miles, easy-moderate hike through the former pig farm off route 140.
  • Saturday January 27th at 9AM: To be determined, based on ground conditions.

To register for these hikes, or to join the Hikes mailing list, and get early information about each hike, write to TrailAroundPrincetonMA@GMail.com.

Also note: We have separated the longer hikes that are outside of the Princeton area (for example White Mountain hikes, Wapack Trail, etc) and are now managing those off a separate project that is not associated with the town of Princeton. Write to Rick.S.Gardner@GMail.com if you would like to join that group.

Contact: Email or Call Rick at 978-660-8664. Follow Facebook "Trail Around Princeton" site.

LSF

At Leominster State Forest in September 2023.. We hiked up the White Oak Trail and then down Berry Hill and Boardwalk before finishing in the Paradise Pond area.

A little more info about Princeton Hikes

Here are a few key points about our hiking program:

  • All are welcome. We hike at the rate of the slowest participant, but often the hikers split into smaller groups and then wait at intersections for people to catch up. We welcome hikers from all towns, though our 'marketing focus' is for the town of Princeton.
  • Out normally scheduled hikes...two Saturdays and one weekday per month, are nearly always in Princeton or surrounding towns. Since a major goal is to introduce people to local trail, and we have a list of over 60 nice hikes in the area, we do not often go farther out. 
  • We hike year-round. In the winter we may require certain footwear, such as microspikes (often!), snowshoes, or cross country skis. Some of our winter hikes are likely to be changed just before the date to take advantage of snow conditions.
  • Dogs are allowed for hikes where the landowner allows them. Some areas,like Audubon Sanctuaries and DCR Wetland properties do not allow dogs. In general we ask that dogs be constrained by short leash, however this is relaxed at times when dog behavior permits! Contact us if you are considering bring your dog along!