Wachusett South Loop Hike

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections)
• Restrictions: Dogs must be leashed. No bikes or horses.

Overview

This popular loop trail climbs to the summit of Wachusett Mountain. It includes steep rocky sections, scenic forests, and seasonal wildflowers. The hike is moderate in difficulty and well-marked, with several options to extend or shorten the route.

Trailhead

• Location: Gate at the intersection of Westminster Road and Administration Road in Princeton (about 1 mile up Westminster Road from Mountain Road).
• Park along Westminster Road.
• Link to Mount Wachusett map

Route Details

1. Administration Road to Jack Frost Trail

• Start at the gate on Administration Road.
• Walk 0.4 miles up the gravel road to the Jack Frost Trail sign (on the right).

2. Jack Frost Trail to High Meadow

• Follow Jack Frost Trail through a stand of Mountain Laurel (wet in spring, beautiful in June).
• Cross bridges and climb steep rocks to reach the ridge and High Meadow Trail intersection.
• This climb can be challenging—watch for blazes to stay on track.

3. Jack Frost Ridge to Summit

• Continue left on Jack Frost along the ridge through pine forest.
• At the Mountain House Trail intersection, turn left.
• Cross the paved “Up Road” to reach the summit.
• Enjoy panoramic views and summit kiosks.

4. Summit to Jack Frost Trail

• Descend via Mountain House Trail.
• After 0.5 miles, at a major junction, turn right onto Jack Frost Trail.
• Pass through hemlock forest and return to the ridge.

5. High Meadow Trail

• At the ridge, turn left onto High Meadow Trail.
• Descend sharply, then enjoy a section of wildflower diversity (especially in spring).
• Continue to High Meadow field, with open views and a bench.

6. Options from High Meadow

• Option A – Mountainside Cafe Loop:
  • Walk through the meadow, bear left before the trees to an access road.
  • Road leads to Mountainside Cafe (coffee, baked goods, lunch).
  • From the cafe, cut across to Echo Lake Road and continue to Echo Lake.
• Option B – Direct to Echo Lake:
  • Continue on High Meadow Trail down to Echo Lake.
  • Trail can be wet and requires stepping over downed trees.

7. Echo Lake → Parking Area

• Echo Lake offers picnic spots and scenic views.
• Continue on Echo Lake Road past the pond.
• Turn left onto Echo Lake Trail to return to the parking area.

Other Options

• Stagecoach Trail to Windmills: From the trailhead, walk uphill on Stagecoach Trail to the Princeton Windmills. Continue down to Harrington Trail, then right to reconnect with Jack Frost via West Road.
• Harrington Trail Alternative: Skip Jack Frost’s rock climb by continuing on Administration Road and turning right onto Harrington Trail. Steep uphill section with a west-facing outlook.
• Upper Link Bypass: From Harrington Trail, take Upper Link Trail to avoid the steepest section. Add ~2 miles by descending West Road, climbing West Side Trail, and crossing Semuhenna Trail to reconnect with Harrington.