Muddy Pond Westminster Hike

Quick Facts

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

Trailhead

• Westminster: Take Rte 2A north of Route 2 and turn left on South Ashburnham Road.
• Bragg Hill Road is 2.5 miles up South Ashburnham Road on the right. The small Midstate Trail parking lot is a short way up the hill on the right. Google Map

Description

• This hike is mostly an easy walk over the Midstate Trail in northeast Westminster that leads up to a shelter on the side of Muddy Pond. It is a great cross country skiing route in the winter. Total elevation is 200 feet.
• There are a couple of muddy or wet spots on the way during wet season.

Route Details

1. Start

• From the parking lot, take the rough gravel road north and follow the yellow Midstate Trail blazes.
• The route soon turns to a nice trail that reaches Muddy Pond after two miles.
• Near the pond, this is a winding trail with several small bridges which may be slippery when wet or icy/snowy.

2. Return

• At Muddy Pond there is a shelter set in a pretty pine grove. This location marks the turnaround point for the four-mile walk.

Other Options to Consider

• Muddy Pond can also be visited as part of a section of the Midstate Trail that continues for two more miles up to Route 12, and leads over some pretty hills up to the base of Mt. Watatic.
• There is another Trailhead off Bragg Hill Road that is shorter but a nice walk.