Tortoise Anniversary Hike up Mt Watatic

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+ hours

Bring water and a nutritious snack. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes or boots. I always use hiking poles.

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:

1. West on Rte. 119 from Ashby Center
2. After the intersection with MA Rte. 101 in Ashburnham, continue west on Rte. 119 1.4 miles.
3. 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:

1. East on Rte. 119 from Rindge
2. After crossing the MA/NH border, continue east on Rte. 119 1.7 miles.
3. 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.)

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