Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow North

Map

HIKE NAME: Wachusett Meadow North Loop    DISTANCE 3.3 Miles     DIFFICULTY Easy-Moderate

Restrictions: No pets, bikes, or motorized vehicles

Trailhead: Princeton. At the end of east side of Goodnow Road  https://goo.gl/maps/xNxyKi5uh9EcuVRP9

Hike Description: This is a tour of the trails on the north-side of the sanctuary property owned and maintained by Mass Audubon. It explores the West Border Trail, then passes by the glacial boulder, goes around the back of Brown Hill and then to the summit, and stops by Otter Pond. The return is via open fields to the north of the main buildings.Total elevation is 340 feet. Admission to Wachusett Meadow is FREE for all Princeton residents and Mass Audubon members but there is a fee for others.

Links: Wachusett Meadow Information

Hike Details: 

Take a left out of the parking lot and go down the paved end of Goodnow road to Chapman Trail and take a right. 

Chapman Trail  runs parallel to a large area of open fields. About 0.2 miles in, there is a stone wall and an intersection with the West Border Trail. 

Turn left on the West Border Trail and follow along the stone wall, turning sharply right and continuing uphill to reconnect with Chapman Trail (Midstate Trail).

Take the sharp right onto Chapman Trail and continue 0.4 miles to the Glacier Boulder Trail. Take a left to the glacier boulder, known in geological terms as an “erratic.” (and take some photos!).

The Brown Hill Loop Trail goes uphill in back of the boulder and continues left around the back of Brown Hill. Take the Summit Trail off the east side of Brown Hill to reach the summit, and then return to the Brown Hill Loop Trail. Take a right and proceed downhill to the Otter Pond area. Take a left on the Otter Pond Trail (not shown on map) to the viewing area where active beaver activity can usually be spotted.  

Return to the Brown Hill Loop Trail and complete the loop, returning to the open field north of the main buildings. This part of the trail passes by a very large and noteworthy White Oak Tree.

Return using one of the paths through the field.

Other Options to Consider:

There are several options to consider on the north side. The walk along the West Boundary Trail can be eliminated to shorten the hike. Also the walk around the back of Brown Hill can be avoided by taking the Summit Trail up over the top of Brown Hill and back to the east side.

For more ambitious hikers, the Chapman Trail can be followed up to Mount Wachusett (3.5 miles one way from the parking area.)

Historical Notes: 

Rev 1/24

Wach MEadow North Brown Hill

There is no sweeping view from the top of Brown Hill but it is a pretty spot!

Wach Meadow North Glacial

Princeton Seniors Group at the Glacial Boulder

 

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