Four Corners Hike

Quick Facts

Distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Trailhead

• Princeton, MA, Gates Road. Kiosk just south of the intersection with Thompson/Old Colony Road
• Parking: At the edge of the field
• Map link: Google Maps

Hike Overview

• This loop offers a mix of open fields, woodlands, quiet roads, and scenic views of the Ware River and watershed area. Loop down through the woods on the Midstate Trail and back via the road.

Description (Clockwise)

1. Start at the kiosk (Gates Road).
   • Cross the field heading west.
   • Stay along the edge of the field, turning left.
   • Look back for views of windmills and Wachusett Mountain.
2. Enter the woods.
   • Follow the Midstate Trail (yellow triangle blazes).
   • Pass vernal pools, a hemlock grove, and mixed hardwood forest.
3. Reach the Ware River.
   • Trail meets a gravel road.
   • Turn left to the bridge crossing the river.
   • Enjoy views of wetlands to the north and the river to the south.
4. Return east.
   • Return back across the bridge and follow the gravel road, which becomes Old Colony Road.
   • Continue to the intersection with Gates Road (note the historical marker).
   • Turn right onto Gates Road back to the parking area.

Alternate Options

• Extra two-mile Loop from the Bridge (Clockwise):
  • After crossing the bridge, stay left and cross railroad tracks, pass houses, and continue to take right turns in Hubbardston.
  • After re-crossing the train tracks, turn left to return to the pedestrian bridge..
• Goodnow Road Option:
  • From the kiosk, walk south along Gates Road.
  • Turn left onto Goodnow Road (unpaved, closed to cars).
  • Leads into Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary with many trails.
• Informal Connector Trail:
  • From the woods near the field, a side trail links to Old Colony Road.

Historical Notes

• Conserved in the early 2000s by the Town of Princeton, Princeton Land Trust, Mass Audubon, DCR, and partners.
• Total area: 168 acres, mostly undeveloped.
• Fields are still farmed by a local farmer.
• Goodnow Road: Once a stagecoach route from Templeton to Boston. Features large stone walls and impressive birch trees.

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