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 Reporter |
Summary: Douglas State Forest has plenty of hiking and multi-use trails to enjoy. The highlight may be a portion of the Massachusetts MidState Trail that traverses from north to south. You may want to check park information and map at: http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/doug.htm http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/trails/Douglas.gif The suggested hike (marked red on topo) is the MidState Trail north to south, and upon reaching the south junction with the Coffeehouse Trail, traveling east untill you reach Wallum Lk. This would make for 6.6mi of easy terrain with some small hills to climb. You will pass nice lakes, wells, and diverse birds. MST is marked with yellow triangles. If you just do this portion, I recomend you park cars at the north and south trailheads. I have also marked on the topo map (in blue) an 8.7mi combination of trails you can use to return to your car if you want to convert this hike into a long (and tiresome) loop, or to enjoy at another... Trailhead: Douglas State Forest is located on the southern border of central Massachusetts. Check park mak: http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/trails/Douglas.gif For North Trail Head (Whitin Reservoir): Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. I-90) to exit 10, Rte. 395 south, Rte. 16 east for 5 miles. Cedar Street north (on your left. Turn left into Wallis St, and turn left again on Northwest main st. About 1.25mi, you will find the trailhead road to the left. For South Trail Head (Wallum Lake): Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. I-90) to exit 10, Rte. 395 south, Rte. 16 east for 5 miles. Cedar Street south (on the right) which converts into Wallum Lake Rd. The park's main entrance will be on your right. Parking spot about a mile beyond. (Lat:42.07789 Lon:-71.78752) Trail Guides for Mid State Trail - Douglas: MidState Trail Guide by www.midstatetrail.org (www.midstatetrail.org) Nature Walks in Central Massachusetts by René Laubach (Appalachian Mountain Club Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Mass DEM - 508 476-7872 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jose Anes, who has posted 25 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Eljay on 5/15/2009 Recently completed a "night hike" of the MidState from the Ridge Road parking lot in the north of the State Forest to the Buck Hill parking lot (in RI), returning and spending the rest of the night at the Douglas Shelter before returning the next afternoon. Return hike was rainy - glad I brought my poncho! Trails are in great shape (overall) and the shelter is in excellent shape. Issues to be aware of: - Section between Rt 16 an SW Main St are poorly marked. Easy to get off onto a side trail. Fortunately, most side trails lead back to Mid State. - Section where trail crosses SE NE Trunk Line Trail has turned into a river. Poor crossing - no bridge. Bring water tight boots or go barefoot. 
Reviewed by kj on 4/22/2009 I hiked from Hodges Village Dam to the intersection of Borkum and Clark Rd. in Spencer on Sunday with a friend, and although the walk started out fine, the trail becomes impassable after Charlton due to the downed trees from the ice storm. By the end of the day we were completely wiped from a hike that shouldn't have been very difficult for us, and we had scratches and cuts (and ticks!) all over our bodies from climbing over brush/downed trees. If you have to do this hike, I'd suggest wearing pants and lots of bug spray, allow for some extra time, and definitely bring your first aid kit! 
Reviewed by pitdog on 10/28/2007 Again I have just hiked from zamby hospital via the north south trail to the shelter on the midstate.Than to the douglas state forest and back to the tri state marker,from there to the buck hill parkenlot.The trail was a little wet and rainy,but its still better than staying home.
Reviewed by pitdog on 10/25/2007 I just hiked from the sutton line to buck hill parking area via the midstate trail.The sun was strong and the temps were awsome.I love training here.PEACE.PITDOG
Reviewed by RickP on 8/19/2007 Nice, but flat, and slightly boring, non scenic in proportion to north and western MA. 
Reviewed by Dave Armstrong on 5/30/2007 Visited memorial day weekend w/family. Got together with a few more of my nudist buddies and went out on the trunk,Brrrr cold wet not a good nude hiking day ,but saw lots of wildlife,very quiet & very relaxing, no bugs amen!. I normally stick to the trunk I forgot the trails and would like to know how are they now?. I use to live in webster years ago & hiked the trails alot,now that I moved to florida I forgot alot of them & would love some updates please, Pitdog we need to talk. Pictures too!.Nude Dude Dave, Delray Beach,Fl.561-414-6103
Reviewed by pitdog on 3/31/2007 Today the trails have really dried out and days are beautiful.pitdog
Reviewed by pitdog on 3/25/2007 The hiking aroung the lake was excellant,but the hiking was slower because of the slippery melting snow.Although,the day was beautiful and exciting.I seen five people in between the shelter and the park[douglas].A really nice day.pitdog Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Massachusetts Hiking, Massachusetts Trails, Massachusetts Hikes, Worcester County Hiking, Worcester County Trails, Worcester County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||