Wachusett East Loop Hike

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Elevation: 700 feet
• Difficulty: Rated difficult due to the rocky Bicentennial Trail.
• Restrictions: Dogs must be leashed. No horses or bikes

Description

This is a hike up to the summit of Wachusett Mountain and back around the east side of the mountain. Highlights of the hike are the summit area, the Harlow Outlook, and the Visitor’s Center.

Trailhead

• Echo Lake Road Parking area on Mountain Road in Princeton
• Link to Trailhead location: https://goo.gl/maps/WSivGSCgKU8cEArd8

Hike Details

1. Start at the parking area. Walk up Echo Lake Road to the lake.
2. High Meadow Trail.
   • Turn right onto High Meadow Trail.
   • Expect wet and rocky footing at the start.
   • Brief steep climb leads to an open meadow, known for wildflowers.
   • Continue past a rock outcrop until you reach Jack Frost Trail.
3. Jack Frost Trail.
   • Turn right.
   • Follow through a pine forest to Mountain House Trail.
4. Mountain House Trail.
   • Turn left.
   • Climb to the summit.
   • At the top: enjoy panoramic views, kiosks, and tower photos identifying surrounding hills.
5. Descent via Pine Hill Trail.
   • Take Pine Hill Trail down to the paved “Down” Road.
   • Turn left to reach Harlow Outlook, a stone shelter with scenic views.
   • Continue down, then turn right at the intersection with “Up” Road.
   • Enjoy views along ski trails.
   • Follow the paved road to the Visitor Center.
   • Stop in to learn about the mountain’s history, geology, plants, and wildlife. Educational programs are often offered here.
6. Return via Bicentennial Trail.
   • From the Visitor Center, start up Pine Hill Trail.
   • Before the steep ascent, turn left onto Bicentennial Trail.
   • This rocky traverse reconnects with Mountain House Trail.
   • Turn left to return to the parking lot.

Other Options

• Shorter but steeper descent:
  • Take Pine Hill Trail directly down to Bicentennial Trail.
  • At the intersection:
    • Turn left to visit the Visitor Center.
    • Turn right to complete the loop
• Alternative start/end point:
  • Begin at the Mountain House trailhead on Mountain Road.
  • This route is quicker and more gradual to the summit.
  • Note: It skips High Meadow.