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 Reporter |
Summary: Walk the Wapack Trail in the north direction (yellow triangle marked trail), up the Watatic Mountain. Great views at the rocky summit. This section of the trail, up to the NH border will be shared with the Mid State Trail (both trails recently re-located to share the same path). From the Watatic Mountain, climb down towards Binney Pond. Some areas on the way are a bit thin of trees (recent logging). But don't be discouraged, the trail and views ahead are spectacular. After looking at the beaver work done at Binney Pond, climb Pratt Mountain. There is an overlook at the top you don't want to miss. Climb down Pratt, and go to the New Ipswich mountains. The Wapack trail will eventually bring you down to the Windblown XC Ski Area. Descend through the area and find your car (permission to hike given for spring to fall hiking, winter hiking not allowed without a trail pass). Windblown XC area rents shelter space for backpackers. Trailhead: Southern Trailhead: Ashburnham, MA on MA 119, 1.4mi W of jct. with MA 101. Trailhead and parking through a gate on north side of MA 119. Space for 10 cars. Northern Trailhead: From center of New Ipswich, NH, follow NH 123/124 to height of land 2.6mi. W of jct. with NH 123A. Park well away from highway in several unmarked turnouts. Avoid blocking driveways. Do not park in Windblown Ski Touring Center parking lot. (Lat:42.69618 Lon:-71.90443) Trail Guides for Wapack Trail - Section 1 - Mt. Watatic - Windblown: Wapack Trail Guide by John E. Flanders (Friends of the Wapack) MidState Trail Guide by www.midstatetrail.org (www.midstatetrail.org) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: New Hampshire State Police +1-800-525-5555 Mass State Police +1-508-537-2188 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 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by CGB on 9/8/2009 My mom and I took my three small children ages 7, 4, 3 years old on this hike. We parked on 119, took the Wapack trail (yellow markers) to the top of Mt. Watatic elevation 1891 ft. It was only a mile and a half hike and not to strenous at all. Then we looped back down the other trail called the Mid-State trail / Wapack Trail (yellow arrows). When we got to the Route 119 sign that said Parking area to the left we took that route back to our car. All in all it took us 2 1/2 hours to hike the loop and while my 3 and 4 year old were a little tired, my 7 year old was still skipping and hopping. Easy, family and kid friendly trail for the beginner. Baby backpack is recommended for 3 year olds or younger.
Reviewed by KD on 8/23/2008 My sister, daughter and granddaughter started out out to hike up Mt. Watatic from the parking lot off Rt. 119 in Ashby on 8/23/08. When we first drove in to the parking lot we noticed a lone male sitting in a car off to the side. As we were getting our gear out to hike he watched us and then came over toward us (all females), muttered a hello and then started out ahead of us for about 50 feet. He then stopped and took his shirt off and was about to flah us when a large group came out of the trail. We were very uncomfortable and turned around and left the area. He was in his 40's, had a pot belly and had a light brown older station wagon with blue duck tape around the edges of some of the windows. Beware. 
Reviewed by DRL on 12/10/2006 I have children who love to hike this mountain. It's an easy climb with a variety of trails from hiking through the woods to climbing over rocks it's a beautiful view when you reach the top. Close to home....and just magnificent for hiking anytime. We love hiking this and highly recommend it for anyone, age, fitness level, it's just wonderful. Some trails have double markings and you really need to pay attention to your surroundings. One wrong turn from not paying attention and you can end up in NH. Have fun....enjoy. 
Reviewed by smc on 10/27/2006 On 10/26/06. Hiked up Trailhead. a bit strenuous on the incline at some points. A 30 minute ascent for an average late 40's female who only paused twice to catch her breath, with a companion who wasn't even out of breath. View at top superior. 30 mile + visibility. Foliage still peek. Want to go again ASAP. Descent was fast down same trail. Basically a straight shot down. FABULOUS
Reviewed by Viewer on 9/21/2006 you need trail maps at the kiosk/trail-head:: or at least something of the like posted there. you also need more trail markers AND signs ON the trail
Reviewed by cbinNH on 7/5/2006 great hike with kids. my 3 & 5 year olds can do it (bring snacks for the top) & it gives them a real sense of accomplishment making it to the top. also, its FREE!
Reviewed by pitdog on 4/22/2006 hiked to the north end of the midstate excellent views seems the logging for the goods we all use helped the views. thank those loggers. they work hard for us all. this is well worth doing many times. pitdog ga me 97
Reviewed by TS on 3/26/2005 GREAT MOUNTAIN ASHBY ROCKS!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||