Holden - Trout Brook from Mason Road
HIKE NAME: Trout Brook from Mason Road DISTANCE: 4 Miles DIFFICULTY: Easy
Restrictions: No motorized vehicles
Trailhead: Holden. Use the small parking area just east of the intersection of Sterling and Mason Roads (at the top of the map). https://maps.app.goo.gl/osCbKDRumKBVy8Cs6
Hike Description: This is an easy loop in the large Trout Brook Reservation. There are many trails in this location, some of which follow scenic brooks in forested areas. This hike, which goes from the trailhead closest to Princeton, has a total elevation of less than 100 feet.
Links: Trout Brook Web Page and Map
Hike Details:
From the parking area, proceed down Blue Dot Trail to North Road. From North Road, continue to follow Blue Dot down to the X-Mas Tree Trail and take a left. A second left leads down to the parking area off Manning Street.
Walking back up the main trail will take you through the recreation area at Trout Brook and along the brook. Follow the White Dot Trail (or the Red Dot Trail) at this point to head north. This follows Trout Brook and has pretty views. Turn right (east) onto the Blue Dot Trail.
The next left leads back to the parking lot.
Other Options to Consider:
There are many options for extending or shortening the hike. The Central Mass Rail Trail system can be accessed across Manning Street and slightly west.
On the east side, the White Oak trail makes a much longer loop, and there is an unmarked side trail that heads over to Hogg Hill in Sterling.
Princeton Hikes! has done loop hikes from the Manning Street, Mason Road, and Holden Road trail heads. It's a great winter/snowshoe hiking area.
A longer hike can be made from the Red Fox Farm trails area in Princeton, out through the Mason Fields and down to Trout Brook. This path is all downhill or level from Princeton. The hike can be extended further by taking the Central Mass Rail Trail to West Boylston. This makes a great one-way hike.
Historical Notes:
Rev 1/24
Princeton Hikers at Trout Brook