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 for guided hikes are:

• Wednesday October 8th at 10AM: Short and Slow hike our to through Hall Field to the Beaver Pond at Russell Corner PLT property. Easy 2-Mile loop.
• Saturday October 11th at 9AM: Mount Wachusett ‘halfway up’ hike on the North side. We will take a circuitous route designed to minimize hiker congestion and maximize views! Moderate 4.5 mile hike.
• Saturday October 18th at 10AM: CRANBERR, and then return on this pretty Y HIKE: The cranberries have not been good for the past couple of years but this year they are! We will lead a short walk down to the reservoir to pick them. Bring a container to put your berries in.
• Wednesday October 22nd at 10AM: Senior hike to Henry’s Grove in Hubbardston. This 2-mile hike off Lombard Road goes down to a nice viewing spot off the East Branch of the Ware River.
• Saturday October 25th at 9AM: Holbrook Forest to the Worcester Cascades park. A 6 mile look in Holden and North Worcester through pleasant trails, past Cooks Pond and to the Cascades.
• Wednesday November 5th at 10AM: Poutwater Pond from Esty Road. a 2 mile Short, Slow, and Smooth hike into the large bog pond over the line in Holden. Easy!
• Saturday November 8th at 9AM: Red Fox to Oakdale via the Mass Central Rail Trail. This is a one way (we will spot cars) 7 mile downhill hike through the Red Fox Trails to Trout Brook Conservation Area and then through to the Mass Central Rail Trail and out to Oakdale/West Boylston. There is an option to stop after 4 miles on Manning Street. Easy-Moderate.
• Wednesday November 19th at 10AM: Senior Hike in Hubbardston at the Mount Jefferson Conservation Area. We will hike the ‘Behind the Chimney Trail’ on a 3-mile loop off Mount Jefferson Road. Easy-Moderate.
• Saturday November 22nd at 9AM: Leominster State Forest ‘Potato Chip’ loop. We will start at the south end of Paradise Pond and hike to Hobbs Road and to the Potato Chip Trail, then in through the Wolf Den before looping back to the Rocky Pond Trail head. 4-Miles, Moderate.

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: Adventure Hikes may be re-starting soon!! We have separated the longer hikes that are outside of the Princeton area (for example Monadnock, Midstate Trail, 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.

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

The Princeton Hikes! Program

The Princeton Hikes! program was established by the OSC to provide opportunities for guided group hikes in and around Princeton. The hikes are open to all and both beginner and more difficult hikes are available.

All of the hikes in this website have been taken by the Princeton Hikes! Group over the past several years. We hope that the website serves as a useful reference for hikers in the area. We encourage submission of new hike ideas and corrections…write to TrailAroundPrincetonMA@GMail.com for information or suggestions.

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 the town of Princeton.
• Our normally scheduled hikes occur two Saturdays and one weekday per month, and are typically in Princeton or surrounding towns. Because a major goal of the program is to introduce people to local trails, we do not often go far afield from Princeton. There is a separate private group available in town for more ‘adventurous hikes’ to places like Watatic, Monadnock, and the White Mountains.
• 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 change just before the date to take advantage of snow conditions.
• Dogs are allowed for hikes where the landowner allows them. Some areas, such as  Audubon Sanctuaries and DCR Wetland properties, do not allow dogs. In general we ask that dogs are constrained by a short leash; however, this requirement is relaxed if dog behavior permits! Please contact us if you are considering bringing your dog along!

Trails Around Princeton (TAP) Program

Trails Around Princeton (TAP) is an ongoing project of the Open Space Committee that seeks to proactively develop, document, and improve the existing network of trails and their connections to one another.

Difficulty Ratings

• Difficult: The most difficult hike is the  climb of Mt. Wachusett from the North. This hike involves about 1000 feet of elevation gain, with rocky trails and five miles or more of distance.
• Moderate: Moderate generally means the elevation gain is roughly half the elevation of Mt. Wachusett (300-500 feet), with perhaps less distance or easier footpaths.
• Easy: Generally under three miles and under 300 feet of elevation gain, with pretty smooth pathways.