Within 30 minutes
Mt. Watatic - Ashburnham MA
Looking out the windows of The Maguire House, across the back
field you are met with views of Mt. Watatic, Little Watatic and
Mt. Monadnock. Just a 5 minute drive from our B&B to a fabulous
hike. In 1923, Frank Robbins and Marion Buck (Davis) of Rindge,
NH, saw a dream come true: the establishment of the 21-mile Wapack
Trail from Mount Watatic in Ashburnham, MA, to North Pack in
Greenfield, NH, passing through sections of Ashburnham and Ashby,
MA, and New Ipswich, Temple, Sharon, Peterborough and Greenfield,
NH. The Wapack Trail, a day-use trail for foot travel, is one
of the oldest interstate trails in the Northeast. For the most
part, the trail follows a skyline route along the summits of
Watatic, Pratt, New Ipswich, Barrett and Temple mountains, then
ascends the Pack Monadnocks. Yellow triangles on trees and rocks
blaze the Wapack. Cairns mark the trail along bare stony sections
and summits. Seven miles of side trails also provide an opportunity
for exploration and spectacular scenery, including the side trail
to Kidder Mountain.
Mid-State Trail - Ashby, MA
The Midstate trail is a scenic footpath located in Worcester
county, 45 miles west of Boston. This 92 mile hiking trail extends
from Rhode Island crossing the gentle hills of Central Massachusetts
and eventually connecting to the Wapack trail in New Hampshire.
The Midstate trail is highly accessible, easy to hike and the
best way to enjoy the natural side of the region.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Princeton, MA - 978-464-2987
Hiking trails, scenic picnicking, hawk migration & bird watching
opportunities, x-country skiing, snow-shoeing, auto road to summit
open May to October, spectacular views. 2nd highest mountain
in Massachusetts with views of 6 states from the summit.
Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary - Princeton, MA - 978-464-2712
Operated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Wildlife refuge
situated on 600 acres of land with 11 miles of trails. 18th century
house, numerous barns, fields, and stone walls. 100 species of
birds, 60 butterflies, 50 dragonflies, 25 mammals and 500 plants
live at the sanctuary. Special Events and Programs.
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area - Princeton, MA - 978-464-2300
18 trails, 5 Lifts, high speed detachable quad, 100% snow making,
night skiing.
Wachusett Greenways, Princeton, MA
Trails and open spaces maintained by local volunteers including
30 miles of old rail beds being converted to walking trails.
Westminster Country Club, Westminster, MA - 978-874-5938
Public 18 hole course.
Leominster State Forest & Crow Hill State Park - Westminster MA - 978-874-2303
Over 4000 acres. Activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing,
hiking trails, x-country skiing, mountain bike trails and rock
climbing.
Wachusett Reservoir - Boylston, MA
Picturesque reservoir with 37 miles of shoreline. Shore fishing
permitted.
Harvard Forest - Petersham, MA - 978-724-3325
3000 acre sanctuary maintained by Harvard University. Includes
large stands of original growth forest.
Nashoba Paddlers - West Groton, MA - 978-448-8699
Offers canoe rentals, tours and instruction on the Nashua River.
Mt. Monadnock - Jaffrey, NH
Looking out the windows of The Maguire House, across the back
field you are met with views of Mt. Watatic, Little Watatic and
Mt. Monadnock. Practically sitting in our back yard, with its
thousands of acres of protected highlands, 3,165-ft. Mt. Monadnock
was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1987. There are
40 miles of maintained foot trails, many of which lead to the
bare rock summit through unique alpine vegetation. Unsurpassed
100-mile views to points in all six New England states are the
reward for a climb. A magnet for hikers, Monadnock is said to
be the most frequently climbed mountain in the world. Approximately
12 miles of the trail system in the lower elevations offers ski
touring for the experienced cross country skier.
Dunn Park - Gardner MA - 978 632-7897
This 119 acre park features a 20 acre pond, walking trails, swimming,
fishing, picnicking, public programs, and play equipment. Private
canoes and non-motorized boats are allowed on the pond, and paddle
boats can be rented during the summer. In the winter the trails
are open for cross country skiing and ice skating. Often there
is a fire blazing in the visitor’s center fireplace. All
activities offered by the park are accessible to people with
disabilities.
