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Little Wachusett Loop (Minns WMA) Hike

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Trailhead

  • Start in Princeton.
  • Park at the gate on Administration Road, just off Westminster Road, about one mile uphill from Mountain Road.
  • Princeton’s windmills are visible from the parking area. Google Map

Overview

This loop travels through the Minns Wildlife Management Area, which includes Little Wachusett Mountain. Although there are no summit views, the area is peaceful and offers excellent blueberry picking in season. Expect a 300‑foot climb early in the hike and enjoy easy hiking sections along Thompson Road and the Midstate Trail.

Route Details

1. Westminster Road to Little Wachusett Trail

  • Walk down Westminster Road toward Mountain Road for about 0.5 miles.
  • About 200 feet before Mountain Road, look for the unmarked Little Wachusett Trail on the south (right) side of the road.
  • The trail climbs steeply for about 0.25 miles, gaining roughly 300 feet.
  • It then passes through a semi‑open area, crosses a stone wall, and turns right toward rock ledges and low‑bush blueberry patches — a great place to pause and explore.

2. Descent to Thompson Road

  • From the ledges, head west to find a narrow path through the pine forest.
  • The trail can be faint; look for a small red arrow painted on a rock.
  • Continue downhill through the woods until you reach Thompson Road.

3. Thompson Road to the Midstate Trail

  • Turn right onto Thompson Road, a gravel road.
  • The road passes a large beaver pond with views of Mount Wachusett and the windmills.
  • Continue downhill until you reach the Chapman/Dickens/Midstate Trail, marked with yellow triangular blazes.
  • Turn right on the Midstate Trail toward Wachusett Mountain.

4. Midstate Trail to Westminster Road

  • The Midstate Trail begins as the Chapman Trail and becomes the Dickens Trail after leaving Audubon property.
  • Follow it for about one mile until it reaches Westminster Road.
  • Turn right and walk about 0.5 miles back to the parking area.

Optional Extensions

  • Windmill Farm Loop: Cross Westminster Road onto the Harrington Trail and walk through the windmill farm for an additional 0.5 miles.
  • Shorter Loop: Park lower on Westminster Road near Mountain Road. From the summit ledges, turn left on Thompson Road and return via Mountain Road.

Historical Notes

The Minns Wildlife Management Area was one of the first wildlife parks donated to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It was gifted by Susan B. Minns, a summer resident of Princeton, biologist, philanthropist, collector, and one of the first women to study at MIT. She was an avid birder and worked to protect the Little Wachusett summit for future generations.

 

Map

 

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