Central Mass. Outdoors Guide Maria Connors
While boasting the perks of an urban center, the city of Worcester and surrounding towns have no shortage of outdoor spaces and activities to enjoy as summer arrives. Whether you’re looking to hike, swim, boat, or just sit and enjoy the sun, there are an abundance of spots in Central Massachusetts that will let you do just that. We’ll be taking a look at not only some of
generally flat, climbing through the chasm itself is a more challenging and demanding endeavor. Hikers should wear appropriate shoes and keep in mind their physical ability and health when setting off into the chasm, as scrambling over rocks is a necessary part of this adventure!
Mass Central Rail Trail--Northampton to Boston, MA
Hiking
Photo by Jake Melara
There is no shortage of day hikes available in Central Mass, and all of the ones listed here are under an hour’s drive from Worcester. Pack a lunch, lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails!
Wachusett Mountain--Princeton, MA
While this mountain is perhaps best known for its ski slopes, it offers ample opportunities for hiking as well. Only a 50 minute drive from Worcester, Wachusett Mountain boasts 17 miles of hiking trails that hikers are easily able to cater to their physical goals or time constraints. Popular routes to the summit are Echo Lake trail, an introductory level 1.5 mile trip, Old Indian trail, a more moderate 3.8 miles, and the shorter Pine Hill trail, only 1.0 mile but a steeper and rockier climb to the summit that makes it a more difficult hike. Most of the trails should take under two hours, making it a perfect excursion that will have you home in time for dinner.
The 1938 New England Hurricane destroyed the Massachusetts Central Railroad in 1938, and finally the 104 mile corridor through the state is being repurposed into a rail trail perfect for hiking and bike-riding. Many trail segments are not currently connected, so trail users cannot yet traverse through the length of the trail. There are currently completed sections running through Oakham, Rutland, Princeton, Sterling, Holden and West Boylston, with various parking lots provided along the way for visitors to choose their starting point. Some sections of the trail are paved and the trail will take hikers and bikers through forested areas, across open fields and along wooded riverbanks, showing off all kinds of natural beauty our state has to offer.
Lookout Rock--Northbridge, MA
Lookout Rock positions hikers off of a country back-road connected to the old Quaker Highway, with many trails looping through the area. Standing atop the rock offers a view of the Blackstone River snaking its way through the woods, often dotted with kayakers, and River Bend Farm and it’s canal, arch bridge, and sprawling farmlands. Rock climbers will find a few desirable crags to scale at this location, giving you the best panoramic views from the top.
Moore State Park--Paxton, MA
Step out into nature and back through history at Moore State Park, a 737acre public recreation area with a myriad of trails, streams and historic mills built as early as 1747. The park is home to stonemill foundations, a retired sawmill, mill chutes, waterfalls and an abundance of gorgeous flowers and foliage in the summer. The wooded trails are shady and well maintained and there are opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on Eames Pond.
Purgatory Chasm--Sutton, MA
Purgatory Chasm offers a unique arrangement of rock formations and shady trails to spend the day exploring. While the trails through the forest are 6 JU NE 20 21
Swimming and Boating
Photo by Tommaso Fornoni
Central Mass has no shortage of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs to spend the day at--it’s just a matter of choosing your favorite!
