They following information was sent on behalf of the DCR:
Greetings and Happy Solstice!
Winter hikes for Wachusett Reservoir are now posted online:
flyer: https://www.mass.gov/doc/wachusett-watershed-events/download
list of events: https://www.mass.gov/watershed-education-programs/events?_page=1
We will return to a Saturday schedule at 11 am. Please share- the more the merrier!
The schedule is also below. With unpredictable winter weather, hikes may be cancelled or modified for weather and trail conditions. To check status and receive an automated message that we will set up the morning of, please email: Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov or call 617-352-4044.
We hope to see you on the trail!
Winter Hikes
Beat the Winter blues by hiking different trails around the Reservoir with interesting views. The bare winter landscape unveils features hidden the rest of the year. Dress in layers with sturdy footwear, be prepared for windy conditions near the water. Bring water and trekking poles, traction devices, or snowshoes depending on trail conditions, and your sense of adventure! A limited supply of traction devices are available to borrow during the event. Hikes will be at a slow pace. Dogs are not allowed on water supply protection lands.
Hike may be cancelled or modified for weather and trail conditions. To check status and receive an automated message, please email Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov or call 617-352-4044.
* Monday, January 1, 11:00am-1:00pm FIRST DAY HIKE
Celebrate the First Day of 2024 and view scenic vistas of Wachusett Reservoir.
Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 22, Rt 140, West Boylston. GPS address 168 Temple St, West Boylston. About 2 miles round trip.
Saturday, January 6, 11:00am-12:30pm Legends and Lore at Sawyer Bluff
Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 8, Intersection of Cross Street and Route 70, Boylston. About 3 miles round trip.
Discover the geology and history, discuss legends and lore of the misfortunes that surrounded the area during construction of the reservoir.
Saturday, January 13, 11:00am-1:00pm Then and Now at Greenhalge Point
Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 35, intersection of Route 110 and Chace Hill Rd, Sterling. Find evidence of the past and compare the landscape over time, from glacial lake, to farmsteads, to reservoir and protected watershed. About 4 miles round trip.
Saturday, January 27, 11:00am-12:30pm Earth Wind and Water North Dike Hike
Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 39 North Dike. Parking at the intersection of South Meadow Road and Route110, Clinton. About 2 miles round trip to the Wachusett Dam and back. This open hillside walk along the Wachusett Reservoir features how nature and architecture align and takes you through a rock cut to the spillway, and points of interest around the Wachusett Dam.
Saturday, February 3, 11:00am-12:30pm Seeing Green to Horseshoe Cove
Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 22, Rt 140, West Boylston. GPS address 167 Temple St, West Boylston. About 3 miles round trip.
Snap out of the winter blues and search for evergreen plants. Discover the role of pine trees and arborvitae in the construction of the Reservoir and what green plants adapt to the cold weather and provide food or shelter for wildlife.
* Sunday, February 18, 11:00am-12:30pm Hike Cabin Fever Ranger Hike
Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 8, Parking near the intersection of Cross Street and Route 70, Boylston.
Watershed Rangers will lead the program to explore the wooded winter wonderland on easy to moderate terrain, about 2.5 miles.
Have a Wonderful Season!