Wachusett North Loop Hike

Quick Facts

• Distance: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Restrictions: Dogs must be leashed. No bikes or horses.

Description

This is a challenging hike from the north side of Wachusett Mountain, passing Bolton Pond, Balance Rock, and the North Road Lookout before reaching the summit.

The return follows Pine Hill Trail, Donbrowo Trail, and Balance Rock Road. Total elevation gain is about 1,200 feet.

Several alternate routes are available, including shorter options that go only partway to the summit.

Trailhead

• Bolton Pond Trailhead – off Bolton Pond Road, just west of the ski area entrance.
• Link to Wachusett Mountain Map

Route Details

1. Bolton Pond Trail

• Start at the trailhead.
• Bear right on Bolton Pond Trail.
• Trail follows a brook and passes Bolton Pond, a small beaver pond.

2. Balance Rock

• Continue through a muddy section.
• Ascend to Balance Rock, a popular photo spot.
• Watch for blue trail markers—the path can be tricky.

3. Balance Rock Road

• Shortly past Balance Rock, turn right onto Balance Rock Road.
• Wide gravel road, gently ascending.
• Scenic in fall; passes Needham Pool.

4. North Road Lookout

• Turn left onto North Road.
• Ascend to the North Road Lookout with views of:
  • Mount Monadnock (north)
  • Wapack Range (right of Monadnock)
  • Gap and Little Wachusett Mountains (left of Monadnock)

5. Semuhenna Trail

• Bear left on the paved road, then turn right onto Semuhenna Trail.
• Walk through a pine grove—beautiful but sometimes wet.

6. West Side Trail to Old Indian Trail

• Just before Semuhenna meets the paved road again, turn left onto West Side Trail.
• Cross over to Old Indian Trail.
• Turn right onto Old Indian Trail—steep and rocky.
• Follow to the summit of Wachusett Mountain.
• Enjoy 360° views from the viewing platform.

7. Descent via Pine Hill Trail

• Start down the paved road.
• Turn left onto Pine Hill Trail.
• Steep, well-maintained trail with many steps; slippery in fall/winter.
• Ends at the Visitors Center (exhibits on flora, fauna, and geology).

8. Donbrowo Trail to Ski Area

• From the Visitors Center, continue to the gate area.
• Turn right through the fence onto Donbrowo Trail.
• Descend, passing the Roper Homestead cellar hole (on the left, halfway down).
• Trail leads to the ski area.

9. Balance Rock Road Return

• Turn left onto Balance Rock Road.
• Pass Bullock Lodge and enjoy lower-level overlooks.
• Return to Balance Rock Trail, then take Bolton Pond Trail left, just past Balance Rock.

Alternate Options

• Ski Area Shortcut: From Donbrowo Trail, head directly to the ski area parking lot and reconnect to Bolton Pond Trail.
• North Side Shorter Route: Start at Balance Rock Trailhead (ski area lot). Take Balance Rock Trail → Old Indian Trail or Semuhenna Trail to summit. Less scenic; avoid Old Indian Trail during ski season.
• Paved Road Shortcut: At the top of North Road, bear left on the Up Road. Descend to the gate, then continue on Donbrowo Trail. Skips the summit but offers nice views.
• Down Road Option: From the summit, walk the Down Road. Pass Harlow Outlook—a great spot for lunch, sunrise, or moonrise views. Look east toward Boston’s skyline.