Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow North Hike

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3.3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 340 feet
• Restrictions: No pets, bikes, or motorized vehicles

Trailhead:

• End of Goodnow Road (east side), Princeton, MA
• Google Maps link
• Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow Website
• Admission: Free for Princeton residents & Mass Audubon members; fee for non-members

Description

• This is a tour of the trails on the north-side of the sanctuary property owned and maintained by Mass Audubon. It explores the West Border Trail, then passes by the glacial boulder, goes around the back of Brown Hill and then to the summit, and stops by Otter Pond. The return is via open fields to the north of the main buildings.Total elevation is 340 feet. Admission to Wachusett Meadow is FREE for all Princeton residents and Mass Audubon members but there is a fee for others.

Route Details

1. Start:

• From the parking lot, turn left down Goodnow Road.

2. Chapman Trail

• Take a right; trail runs alongside open fields.
• At 0.2 miles, reach a stone wall and intersection with West Border Trail.

3. West Border Trail

• Turn left, follow the wall, then climb uphill to reconnect with Chapman Trail (Midstate Trail).

4. Glacier Boulder Trail

• After 0.4 miles on Chapman, turn left to visit the giant glacial boulder. This is a great photo spot!

5. Brown Hill Loop Trail

• : Climb behind the boulder, and continue on the Loop Trail around the back of Brown Hill.
• On the East side of Brown Hill intersect with the summit trail and turn right to the top of the hill
• Return down to the junction and turn right on the Loop Trail until the intersection with the Otter Pond Trail

6. Otter Pond

• Walk down to the Otter Pond lookout and enjoy the view!
  • Look for otter, beaver, or waterfowl activity.
• Return to the Brown Hill Loop Trail

7. Return

• Complete the Brown Hill Loop, pass the large White Oak, and head back through the open fields to the main buildings.

Other Options to Consider

• Shorter hike: Skip the West Border Trail.
• Direct summit: Take Summit Trail straight over Brown Hill instead of looping around.
• Longer hike: Continue on Chapman Trail to Mount Wachusett (3.5 miles one way).

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