Old Stone Church Day Trip
Welcome to Old Stone Church in West Boylston, MA
One of the most photographed attractions in Massachusetts – Old Stone Church at Wachusett Reservoir in West Boylston, MA – is also a terrific spot for spending a relaxing day or exploring nature.
On the National Register of Historic Places, Old Stone Church is great for taking amazing photos; it is situated in a section of the Wachusett Reservoir that offers shady spots for picnics and hiking paths close to the reservoir shore.
And it is a beautiful destination to visit all year round, especially at sunset.
How to get to Old Stone Church in West Boylston, MA
You can take either MA 190 or MA 290 and from both highways, take the exit for MA 140. From 190, you’ll go onto MA 140 South; from 290, you’ll go onto MA 140 North. Continue on 140, which becomes Beaman Street by the section of Wachusett Reservoir where Old Stone Church is located. Make sure you are on 140/Beaman street.
Look for a small dirt pull off with parking space for about 5-6 vehicles. Driving south/east, this spot is about a half mile after a Massachusetts State (fish/wildlife) facility.
And now, you can park in designated paved spots on Beaman Street just past (or before, depending on how you’re driving to it) the church.
Once you park, head straight to a signpost and yellow gate, which is your entrance to visiting Old Stone Church and getting to the reservoir shore. Note dogs are prohibited because the reservoir is a source for public water supply.
What to see at Old Stone Church
Go through the entrance and simply walk straight down to the Old Stone Church where you’ll see an area with tree-covered spots and can walk on the grounds for an almost panoramic view of the church structure and Wachusett Reservoir landscape.
Definitely go inside the church, which has multiple, open columns for taking in the reservoir. It seems like a castle for young kids.
From the area by the church, you can take beautiful landscape photos with the church as the main focus or of the reservoir and the expansive, beautiful nature scenery.
Or you can follow a dirt path, which is mostly even, to hike in nature and follow the reservoir. Along the path, there are several, quick and narrow entrance ways down to the sandy shore where you can walk a bit and capture landscape photos. Note these paths are somewhat steep for little kids and older folks.
You can also get great vantage points on the MA-140 overpass by the intersection with Beaman Street. This is where you’ll often see photographers setting up to get shots of Old Stone Church at sunset and iconic New England images with the American flag draped on it’s east side.
And if you only visit at one point during the year, autumn with the fall foliage popping on the trees in Wachusett Reservoir is arguably the best time to see Old Stone Church, and you still easily walk the grounds to explore this iconic structure up close.
If you want a longer hiking and outdoors day trip, right nearby is the Mass Central Rail Trail parking lot at Thomas Street where you can hike/walk on the wide, gravel path. There are multiple entrance paths down to the reservoir shore and leashed dogs are allowed on the main rail trail. Here’s how to get to Mass Central Rail Trail from Old Stone Church.
Tip: For a fun day trip with your kids or your date, bring a blanket and pick a spot under the trees close by the church or bring beach chairs to sit on the sandy shore.
Tip: If you go hiking on a hot day, parts of the path running parallel to the reservoir are narrow and go through thick foliage so put on bug spray and watch for poison ivy.
Tip: Go inside the church to take pics with shadow and light contrast.
Have you seen this iconic Central Massachusetts attraction? What’s your favorite time of year to visit Old Stone Church?
Let me know by leaving a comment below and share your tips.
