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Leominster State Forest Paradise Pond and Wolf Rock Loop Hike

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 4  Miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Hike Description

This is a loop that follows both gravel roads and woodland trails bringing you past Paradise Pond and down to the dam on the south end. On return, the hike passes over the Wolf Den rocky outcrop. Total elevation gain is 300 feet.

Link to DCR Map:  LSF Trail Map

Trailhead

Princeton. Park at the Rocky Pond parking area of Leominster State Forest along the east side of Rt. 31. Link to Google Maps

Hike Details

1. Starting Point

  • Begin at the Rocky Pond parking area.
  • Take the gravel Rocky Pond Road until you see Paradise Alley on your right.

2. Paradise Alley

  • Follows the east side of Rocky Pond.
  • Offers several side paths down to the pond.
  • Continues uphill and ends at King Tut’s Highway.

3. King Tut’s Highway to Old County Road

  • Turn right onto King Tut’s Highway (dirt and gravel).
  • Follow to Old County Road and bear right toward the south end of Paradise Pond.
  • Bear right again at the bottom of the hill to cross a small hill and the dam — a scenic spot!
  • After the dam, turn sharply left to return to Old County Road.
  • Retrace your steps back to King Tut’s Highway and turn left.

4. King Tut Highway to Wolf Rocks

  • Continue uphill on King Tut’s Highway.
  • Look for a small, poorly marked trail on the right (a sign across the road confirms King Tut’s Highway).
  • Take this trail to reach the Wolf Rocks area.
  • The trail splits:
    • Option A: Climb up and over the ledges.
    • Option B: Stay lower and walk along the base of the ledges.
  • If climbing the ledges, stay on the west side of the hill until the trail reconnects.
  • Follow downhill to rejoin King Tut’s Highway.
  • Turn right on King Tut’s Highway → it soon meets Wolf Rock Road.
  • Turn left on Wolf Rock Road → then left again on Rocky Pond Road → back to the parking area.

Other Options

  • Extend the hike: From the south end of the Wolf Den rock outcrop, turn right onto the N.A.D.S. Trail to reach Wolf Rock Road.
  • Alternate route: Start at the south end of Paradise Pond (smaller parking area off Route 31 near Route 140).
  • Navigation tip: Trails in the southern forest are less clearly marked. Bring a map, compass, or GPS app.

Trail map showing route

Rev 1/24

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