Wachusett Mountain State Reservation Day Trip

Welcome to Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

With 3,000 acres of forest and diverse terrain, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation in Princeton, Massachusetts is a Central Massachusetts (MA) destination for hiking, bicycling, skiing and spectacular panoramic views.

This blog brings together my visits over the years to Mount Wachusett Summit taking the auto road that you can drive (or hike up) to get to it. Hiking trails and conditions are not covered as there are plenty of reviews to Google, and this day trip focuses on the experience at the summit that avid hikers, dog walkers, families with young kids and photographers can all enjoy.

How to Get to Wachusett Mountain State Reservation and Mount Wachusett Summit |

Drive to the entrance at 345 Mountain Road in Princeton, MA, where you can then turn right for the auto summit road and self pay at a machine ($5 for MA residents; $20 for non-MA residents). Or you can turn left to park for free at a visitor center if you plan to hike or bike up to the summit.

The summit road is open Memorial Day weekend through the last weekend in October from 9a.m. to sunset. Typically a ranger is at the summit and will let people know though its always a good idea to drive down no later than 15 minutes before the sun has totally faded.

What to see at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation and Mount Wachusett Summit

After starting up the summit road, which is 2.35 miles, follow the signs as you wind your way up the mountain. There are several designated pull offs with marked parking spots that have great vistas.

In the late afternoon or evening, I've pulled to the side of the road with my hazard lights on to see the fall foliage. Often the best foliage is before you reach the Ledges overlook (the parking is on the left under a large rocky ledge).

There are lots of leaf peeping opportunities along the road so you can park at a designated area and hike up for part of the way too.

On the way up the summit road, there is an overlook called the High Ledges you can park at for beautiful, expansive eastern views. Often, you’ll see people with lawn chairs by the stone wall or sitting on top off a rocky ledge over the parking area.

The evening sky vista standing by the stone wall at the Ledges overlook on the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation auto summit road.

MDT Tip: Be careful walking on the stone wall (not advising this) as you can easily fall down the slope into thick wooded and rocky terrain. This spot on the summit road usually gets crowded so make sure you park in a way that makes it easy to drive back onto the road.

From this spot, it’s only another couple minutes until you reach the Wachusett Mountain summit parking lot and short trail to the observation tower and overlooks. You can walk on a paved trail with a gradual gradient or a bumpy dirt trail with small rocks up to the wide plateau for panoramic views.

MDT Tip: I suggest heading to the right when you reach the summit to see views of New Hampshire at the mini stone overlook. You’ll often see pastel evening skies sweeping across the horizon looking north and east, and its way less crowded.

The main attraction is the 360-degree views from the observation tower and deck. There’s a paved ramp that is suitable for all levels (not sure how easy it is for wheelchairs to maneuver) with two levels, and you’ll see the sunset due west stretching out to Mt. Greylock.

A vibrant orange and gold sunset sky view from the Wachusett Mountain Summit observation tower.

You can get great sunset views from both the main level and by the railing on the paved walkway. People will also sit on the rocky ledge (these rocks are fairly flat) by the side of the mountain.

Driving the mountain road is a great option for families with strollers and folks with limited mobility as it’s a very short walk from parking to the Wachusett Mountain summit observation tower and lookouts. It’s also a dog-friendly state reservation, and lots of folks hike up with their dogs on leash.

MDT Tip: The observation tower has multiple kiosks with information about what Massachusetts and New England regions & landmarks you’ll see as you survey the panoramic skyline views.

Wachusett Mountain summit is a great picnic and gathering spot as well. With porta potties at the summit parking lot and lots of space to spread out, the summit is a great day trip destination from late spring through autumn.

Have you hiked to or visited Wachusett Mountain summit? Would you enjoy seeing sunset here?

Share your tips and experiences below by leaving a comment.