What we’re about
This is a hiking group for people who, like me, take life at a slow and steady pace. I love the outdoors, travel and hiking. Like the tortoise, I keep a steady pace and always get there in the end. Hikes will be mostly medium-length ( 2 - 6 miles) with elevation gains of under 1500 feet and a pace of book time +50%. Older people who have slowed down, younger folks who are just starting out, people who are overweight and want to get moving, people who are recovering from an injury, people who occasionally like to stop and take pictures or smell the roses...anyone who wants to take things at a slower pace. Hikes and other events take place all year round and in various locations!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Gummere Woods Loop in GraftonGummere Woods And Marsters Preserve Trail, Grafton, MA
Rescheduled from last Thursday! Come for a peaceful morning walk along Lake Ripple in Grafton! Some interesting history and nice views. Loop is about 2.5 miles. Trail may be muddy at times, so please wear sturdy boots or shoes. There may be a few low stream crossings. Weather says partly sunny and in the low 70s. Dress in layers, bring water and a snack. I always use hiking poles. There is a pull-in parking area right along the road and additional parking across the street.
Great hike for kids - please do not add them as guests, but mention in the comments.
Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome.
Bug spray and sunscreen highly recommended.
Stay on the trail, as this area is known for poison ivy.
Read about the Grafton Land Trust and see a trail map HEREOver the years, Gummere Wood has been home to multiple farms, a bustling tearoom, a little cabin and the first dam built on the Quinsigamond River. When you pull into the little gravel parking area by the Wheeler Road trail head, a wide trail welcomes you into the woods and alongside the water. This is the main trail, which leads you along the lake shore and to the Marsters Preserve area further south. To your immediate right is a stone foundation and steps, and according to the Grafton Land Trust, that foundation and those steps are what’s left of a 1920s tearoom named Bridgenook. The Marshall Family, who lived on the land during the early 20th century, opened the tearoom to entertain commuters while they waited for the next trolley to Worcester. Near the Grafton Lions Club, is a black oak tree that the Massachusetts State Forestry Service estimates to be approximately 225 years old, one of the oldest in the state.
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Tortoises roam free (and always will!) but MeetUp still charges a fee! If you’d like to contribute, here’s where you can send a donation:
PayPal: julie.chilton@yahoo.com
Venmo: @Julie-Chilton-3
CashApp: $JulieChilton23 - Tortoise Anniversary Hike up Mt Watatic Sat Sept 13 9 AMMt Watatic Trailhead, Ashburnham, MA
14 years ago, The Fellowship of the Tortoise was formed. This was our first hike! A loop hike up the (fairly steep) side of Mt Watatic and then down the other side, picking up the MidState Trail, across the Nutting Ledges, and then the State Line Trail back to the parking lot.
Summit Elevation: 1832 feet
Elevation gain: About 650 feet
Total hiking distance: About 3.5 - 4 miles
Time: 3+ hoursBring water and a nutritious snack.
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes or boots.
Hiking poles, bug spray and sun screen are recommended,Alltrails Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/mount-watatic-and-nutting-hill-via-wapack-trail
Mount Watatic has long been a popular destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who wish to experience the scenic views that are afforded in all directions from its summit. The Mid-State Trail and Wapack Trail are both long-distance hiking trails that traverse the Reservation property. The diversity of ecological features, including the bald summit, rocky outcrops, forested slopes, seeps and wet lowlands, abut additional lands managed by the DCR. The abundant wildlife attracts national hiking, birding and conservation groups to the area. The summit is one of the best places in the northeast to view the annual hawk migration.
DIRECTIONS:
From Massachusetts Route 119:
- West on Rte. 119 from Ashby Center
- After the intersection with MA Rte. 101 in Ashburnham, continue west on Rte. 119 1.4 miles.
- The parking lot is on the right. There is a chain-link fence with an opening in it. Just before the entrance, there is a sign that says "Mid State Trail" (The Wapack and the Mid State run together for a ways in that area.)
From NH Route 119:
- East on Rte. 119 from Rindge
- After crossing the MA/NH border, continue east on Rte. 119 1.7 miles.
- The parking lot is on the left. There is a chain-link fence with an opening in it. Just before the entrance, there is a sign that says "Mid State Trail" (The Wapack and the Mid State run together for a ways in that area.)
Remember the rules:
Feel free to bring a friend, but make sure they first join the group and sign up for the event.
Please be on time so that everyone is ready to leave at 9:00 AM
If you sign up for an event but will not be attending, change your response ASAP so that others can attend and we are not waiting for you.
Check Meetup for cancellations and changes in meeting times and locations before each event.
You are all adults and are expected to make decisions about your own safety and physical abilities.
Wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.
Move to the side for oncoming walkers on narrow trails.
If you decide to return to your car early or leave the group for any other reason, tell someone.
If you are struggling or need assistance, tell someone.
Be friendly. Be social. Have fun.
Safety Disclaimer
In registering for this event, you assume all risks when participating, certify that you are physically fit to participate, and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person. All participants must use care and good judgment, and must obey all instructions, rules, and regulations of the venue and local authorities.
Safety Disclaimer:
As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following:
this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others;
you assume all risk associated with this activity;
you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity;
you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code
the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and
you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasonsTortoises roam free (and always will!) but MeetUp still charges a fee! If you’d like to contribute, here’s where you can send a donation! Thanks!
PayPal: julie.chilton@yahoo.com
Venmo: @Julie-Chilton-3
CashApp: $JulieChilton23
