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Wachusett Mountain State Parks Div
2 reviews for Wachusett Mountain State Parks Div
We followed the three and a half hour hike suggested in the book 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles (of Boston, that is) and while I don't think I'd return to Wachusett, it was fun and fairly challenging.
The visitor's center had a vending machine, trails maps, restrooms, a park ranger on duty for questions, and displays detailing the mountain's flora and fauna. We parked by the ski shop, which was free and put us right by the trail. They were charging $2 for a another lot closer to the Visitor's Center, however.
Highlights of the hike included Balance Rock, which really does seem to defy gravity, and the uber-rocky Jack Frost Trail. The view from the top of the mountain was actually a bit disappointing -- basically a big parking lot full of people who drove up or just took the ski lift (and therefore didn't have to work for it). You could definitely see the countryside and Boston in the distance, but the view seemed removed and it was difficult to find a good vantage point. The observation tower was closed. I hate to go all Joni Mitchell on the State Parks Division (honestly I don't even like Joni Mitchell) but they really did "pave paradise and put up a parking lot" with this one. Oh well.
It's certainly not the biggest mountain ever or the most impressive but the trails for hiking are nice and it's definitely a picturesque place to view the state of Massachusetts. You can actually see the Boston skyline from the top. It's been a while since I hiked up but it doesn't take very long and it's an easy walk up- easy for families as well. You can drive up as well but it's worth walking in the woods I think.