Review
Intro
The Mid-State Trail is a beautiful and relatively moderate trail that runs straight through the middle of Massachusetts, splitting the state up into eastern and western portions. Starting south of the border in Rhode Island, the Mid-State Trail makes its way 92 miles north until it meets up with the Wapack Trail in New Hampshire. Along the way, you will encounter both Wachusett Mountain and Mount Watatic, as well as countless species of flora and fauna.
What Makes It Great
Located a short drive from Boston, this a great place to visit for a day hike or weekend adventure. Forests, swamps, cliff faces, rivers, lakes and dams; the Mid-State Trail offers a variety of scenery and landscape for all to enjoy. Whether you choose to start on the border of New Hampshire or the boarder of Rhode Island, there is plenty to keep you entertained.
This hike can be broken down into a single day or multi-day trip, so choose its up to you to choose own adventure! For hikers looking for a quick day trip on the trail, considering parking at Crow Hill in Leominster to enjoy the formations of this popular rock climbing destination and then hike south towards Redemption Rock and Mount Wachusett.
Click the link for a nice map of the Mid-State Trail.
Who is Going to Love It
Folks who are looking for a real New England adventure will likely find what they are looking for while on the Mid-State Trail. Considering its distance, hikers can find themselves enjoying this trail for a fair amount of time, soaking in the sights, and exploring the many Massachusetts landmarks, rock features, hills, valleys, and wildlife. Because of this, the Mid-State Trail is popular destination for more serious hikers, but a word of caution to those contemplating this trail as a through-hike: legal camp sites are few and far between- there can be up to 30 miles between shelters at various points on the trail.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
From Boston to the southerntrail terminus at Douglas State Forest and the Rhode Island/ Massachusetts state line, take I-90 West (Mass. Pike) to MA-146 South. Take Exit 4 from MA-146 South and then follow NE Main Street to Wallum Lake Road in Douglas. Look for Douglas State Forest signs on the southwest side of town.
From Boston to the northern trail terminus at the town of Ashburham and New Hampshire/ Massachusetts state line, take I-93 North to MA-16 West via Exit 31. From there, follow MA-2 West and continue towards Concord, keeping on MA-2 West until you hit MA-12 North in Ashburnham. Take Stowell Road to Ashburnham State Forest.
Note: The Mid-State Trail traverses across land that is occasionally used for hunting, especially during the winter months. Play it safe when you hike on this trail- wear orange articles of clothing and consider leaving dogs at home
