Wachusett North Halfway
Trail Head: Balance Rock Trail Head in the Ski Area Parking Lot
Distance and Difficulty: 4 Mile Moderate hike with 600 feet of gradual uphill. Halfway to the summit
This is a 'halfway up' hike on the North face of Mt. Wachusett. It does not go to the top, but it does pass by some interesting features of the mountain, and is a nice moderate two hour hike.
Start in the parking lot of the ski Area, and go up Balance Rock Trail. This trail passes by Balance Rock, a sight worth seeing!
Balance Rock Trail exits to Balance Rock Road, and turn right to proceed on a gradual incline up to North Road. Balance Rock and North Roads are both pretty roads, particularly in the spring and fall.
Take a left on North Road and head up hill (a little more steeply) to the North Road Lookout...one of the best viewing spots on the Mountain and a great place for a picnic (see photo below). From here there is a good view of Mt. Monadnock and to the right, the mountains of the Wapac trail. Windmills from Gardner prison and Mt Wachusett Community College can also be seen.
Take a left at the end of North road and head down the paved 'up' road, This goes past several ski runs with views also off to the North, At the small parking lot just before the gate, the Donbrowo trail heads off towards the base of the ski area. Take this trail and partway down turn left on the gravel road that cuts across the ski trails. This is the ower section of Balance Rock Road, and it takes you back to Balance Rock trail and to the Pakring Lot.
Restrictions: Dogs leashed only. No Horses or Bikes on trails