Wachusett West Loop Hike

Quick Facts

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 790 Ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Restrictions: Dogs leashed only. No Horses or Bikes on trails.

Description

This loop goes about halfway up the mountain on gradually inclined gravel, roads and trails. It does not go to the summit, but there is a nice view from the North Road on the way down.

Trailhead

• The gate at the intersection of Westminster Road and Administration Road (about one mile up Westminster Road from Mountain Road).
• Park along Westminster Road.
• Trailhead Google Location

Hike Details

1. Start

• From the parking area on Westminster Road, walk up Administration Road to Jack Frost Trail.
• This section passes through laurel bushes, which bloom beautifully in June.

2. Jack Frost Trail

• Shortly after starting, turn left onto Lower Link Trail.
• Continue until it meets Harrington Trail (Midstate Trail), then turn right.
• Note: This area can be wet in spring.
• At the top of the second small hill, turn left onto Semuhenna Trail.

3. Semuhenna Trail

• Follow along the mountain shoulder.
• Cross the paved “Up Road,” pass West Side Trail, and continue to the paved road near North Road.
• Turn left on the paved “Up Road:”, then right onto North Road.

3. North Road

• Walk down to a scenic vista (great for photos).
• Continue to West Princeton Road (Westminster).
• Features: gravel surface, pine needles, and a kiosk at the intersection.

4. West Road

• Turn left on West Princeton Road, then after half a mile, turn left through the gate onto West Road.
• Pleasant gravel road with gentle elevation changes.
• Points of interest:
  • Siplas Pool (small pond, ~100 feet off trail).
  • Ice ledges (~200 yards up the north side embankment). In winter, they form striking icicles—worth a short bushwhack!

5. Return Loop

• After about one mile on West Road, turn right onto Harrington Trail.
• Then take Stagecoach Trail left, passing the windmills.
• Enjoy the panoramic view from the windmills before returning to the parking area.

Optional Add-Ons

• Echo Lake Loop:
  • Add a 1-mile loop at the start or end.
  • Use Echo Lake Road one way and Echo Lake Trail (from Westminster Road) the other.
  • Nearby: Mountainside Café, a short walk from Echo Lake.
• Ski Trail View:
  • Near North Road, take a short walk to the right.
  • Cross the west-side ski trails for a north-facing view.
• Summit Run:
  • Adds about one mile and 400 feet of climb.
  • Continue past Semuhenna up Harrington Trail, then descend via Old Indian Trail to West Side Trail to Semuhenna.