Contents
1. Mount Watatic and Nutting Hill via Wapack Trail
Mount Watatic, and the 1832-foot-tall monadnock on the border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, are among the most popular treks in Massachusetts. Mount Watatic is a worthwhile location for all hikers since it has simple, moderate, and difficult hiking options to explore. Mount Watatic, a formerly ski area, is now a conserved property utilized for trekking and bird viewing, with well-marked pathways and great vistas.
This trek, which is nearly 1 hour & 15 mins from Boston, may easily be completed in a single day. We hiked this path last Saturday, taking the moderate trail to the peak and the easier trail back. I recommend choosing the moderate path going to rise and the easy track coming down because the moderate trail gains height slowly and is not as steep while hiking higher. However, if you choose to take the simple track, that is also an option.
If the parking at the trailhead is full, there is extra street parking in the contrary direction in the alley or along the road, which is a quick walk from the trailhead. This route becomes busy on weekends throughout the summer, but not so much that you can’t keep your social differences and explore.
Remember that there is a minor divergence for the easy track if you choose to take it; otherwise, you will be on the intermediate trail. The intermediate path is 2.8 miles long and gains 711 feet in height, while the easy track is 2.2 miles long and gains 643 feet in elevation. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, check out the Wapack Trail.
2. Mount Watatic Reserve
Mount Watatic is among the most frequented hills in eastern Massachusetts because of bald top provides 360-degree panoramic views of the Boston skyline, Mount Wachusett to the south, Mount Monadnock to the west, and the Wapack Range to the north. The topography is varied, including open ski slopes with rock outcroppings in different phases of succession, as well as old-growth relics along steep wooded slopes.
The Mount Watatic Reserve is accessible to the public for non-motorized activities such as hiking, nature observation, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Mount Watatic connects the Wapack & Midstate trail networks. While Mount Watatic is a terrific choice for tourists and beginners, visitors should wear trail running or athletic shoes. When walking from rock to rock, you’ll enjoy the added traction.
In addition, the terrain of Mount Monadnock will appear difficult in comparison to several hiking spots closer to Boston. It’s more rugged than, for instance, Blue Hills Reserve, but comparable to Mount Wachusett. If you want a more gentle ascent with fewer rocks beyond the first 0.3 miles, use the State Border Trail to Watatic’s top rather than the Wapack Trail.
3. Wapack Loop – Watatic Mountain State Wildlife Area
The Wapack Loop includes a 50-mile ultramarathon and a 21.5-mile end-to-end trail race on the Wapack Trail (www.wapack.org). The rocky ledges of this challenging terrain (about 4600 ft elevation increase on each side, 50-miler is around 10,800′ ascent) offer vistas of the Boston cityscape to the east, the Berkshire & Green Mountains to the west, as well as the White Mountains to the northwest.
The longest climbs of the path are in the Pack Monadnocks, which move over boulder fields & slab ridges with magnificent vistas of Mt. Monadnock towards the west. After descending the steep route to Miller State Park and going south, there is a rise up a fire road to the Temple Mountain crest before rejoining the woodland singletrack.
All along Temple Ridge, there seem to be a few short climbs and several viewpoints with views to the southeast. The descent to Nashua Road is a combination of singletrack and wildfire road, which leads to a half-mile stretch of paved road that connects the Temple Mountain region to the gentle climb to Windblown XC ski resort.
4. Wapack Trail: Mount Watatic to Barrett Mountain
If you are flying into any of the two closest cities (Manchester, New Hampshire, or Concord, New Hampshire), it is advised that you contact one of the shuttle businesses listed above. Thomas Transportation, in particular, provides shuttle services from Manchester-Boston Municipal Airport to the regions in which both termini are located. If you’re doing a vehicle spot, going to get back to the car after finishing this walk is likely the most challenging aspect of the entire trip.
Let’s explore the most popular Watatic Mountain State Wildlife Area viewing trails with hand-curated route maps and driving instructions, as well as extensive reviews and images from hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts like you.
