Hiking Project Logo

Using a few different trails (and one road,) hike a nice loop up and down Mt. Wachusett.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.7

KM

Loop

1,990' 607 m

High

1,260' 384 m

Low

832' 254 m

Up

825' 251 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

56%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

Family Friendly Fun rocks, water to splash in, and a nice view of windmills.

Overview

This route has a little bit of a scramble up some rocky sections on the way up to the summit after a really nice viewpoint. The way back down is extremely friendly with gentle grades and gorgeous leafy scenery.

Description

Park on Westminster road by the Harrington Trail. You'll probably see some other cars parked along the road.

Follow the Harrington Trail north all the way to the summit. About 3/4 of the way up there is a little spur to the right that takes you to the best (uncrowded!) viewpoint. You'll only spot the "vista" sign if you happen to sit on a rock and face downhill at the right moment (as I happened to) so keep an eye out for it!

After the vista you'll cross Administration Road. Continue on Harrington Trail; there is some rock scrambling, but plenty to grab onto, though this could be a little treacherous in wet conditions.

At the summit, take a break from the hike to wander around (and count the number of people who say "I think that's Mt. Manadnock in the distance!"). Then cut across the parking lot and find the Mountain House Trail. At the first major junction, split from the Mountain House Trail onto the Jack Frost Trail. There is one somewhat steep section, but footing is well maintained and we had no issues. Be a little wary of loose rocks.

At the next junction, split off onto the High Meadow Trail. This will take you to Echo Lake, where there's a nice wall to sit on and hang out. We saw some amazing dragonflies and salamanders!

Continue on Echo Lake Road around the lake (across a small bridge) until you can pick up the Echo Lake Trail heading south. Shortly, this will leave you out on Westminster Road. Take a right to hike along the road (you'll pass two gated trails) back to the car.

Flora & Fauna

Saw some really nice ferns on the way down, and some great blue dragonflies near a small lake.

Shared By:

Jess Scolnic

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 9 votes

#2735

Overall
  4.2 from 9 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
56%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#18

in Massachusetts

#2,735

Overall
17 Views Last Month
9,103 Since Aug 7, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
90%
10%
0%
0%

Photos

Clearing early during the ascent.
Aug 11, 2017 near Princeton, MA
Chilling next to the Koi pond on the summit of Mt. Wachusett.
Mar 9, 2017 near Princeton, MA
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.