MOVED TO SUNDAY 8/11: Mt. Wachusett via Balance Rock - plus post-hike foods

UPDATE - with Tropical Storm Debby soaking trails on Friday night into Saturday, we moved the hike to Sunday Aug 11. Same 9 am ET start time. We'll climb Mt. Wachusett via the Balance Rock/Old Indian Trail loop - 3.2 miles round trip/1050' elevation gain, with bailout options and easier paths available. We will walk the auto road to return. Great view and a nice moderate workout, with easy driving distance from the Boston area. Allow 3-4 hours total - a little under 90 minutes ascending, some time to enjoy the summit views, then about an hour to descend. Leaders provide maps and gluten-free summit snacks.
Bonus: Wachusett Mountain is holding a food truck festival starting at 11 am, so when we're done, an optional $5 buys you fun lunch choices accompanied by live music.

NOTE: hike begins at the ski area, which is a RIGHT turn once you enter the access road. HOWEVER for rest rooms, turn left at the ski area entrance and head to Visitor's Center (limited parking). Sometimes there's a porta-john at the Balance Rock Trailhead where we start, and sometimes the ski area doors is open. At the summit there are also porta johns.

Mt. Wachusett State Park trail map:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation-trail-map/download

AllTrails map showing ascent (we'll descend on auto road):
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/balancing-rock

Wachusett Mtn. Food Truck Festival details:
https://www.wachusett.com/5th-annual-summer-food-truck-fest/