Savage Hill Loop Hike
Quick Facts
- Distance: 4 miles (out-and-back)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Trailhead
- Location: Princeton, MA
- Parking: Small lot at the end of Old Colony Road Extension, off Route 62 (4 miles west of town center, on the left).
- Google Maps
Hike Overview
- This is an out-and-back hike along the Midstate Trail. The trail passes through Savage Hill Wildlife Management Area, connecting Old Colony Road (Princeton) to Paddock Road (Rutland). The trail starts on old farm roads, continues on smaller, well-traveled winding trails. Gradual climb for the first half mile, then mostly level.
Route Details
1. Start
- From the parking lot, follow yellow triangular Midstate Trail markers.
- Watch for side trails—stay on the marked path.
- Stone walls line much of the trail.
2. Return
- After 2 miles, you’ll reach Paddock Road in Rutland.
- Turn around here and retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
Alternate Routes & Extensions
- Longer Midstate Trail Options:
- Start at Four Corners or the pedestrian bridge on Old Colony Road.
- Continue north toward Barre.
- 6.5-Mile Loop Option:
- Route: Paddock Lane to Bushy Lane to Bigelow Road to Wheeler Road to Route 62 to Old Colony Road Extension.
- Notes: Rough terrain between Bushy and Bigelow Roads, may be muddy. Crosses a scenic wetland.
- Exploration:
- Northwest of the trail: wetlands and open land.
- Savage Hill summit: Accessible via a rough path from the main Savage Hill parking lot (further west on Route 62). Trail ends near the summit.
Map
- Green line: 6.5-mile loop option.
- Dotted purple line: Bushwhack route to Savage Hill summit.
