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 Reporter |
Summary: Douglas State Forest has plenty of hiking and multi-use trails to enjoy. The highlight may be a portion of the Massachusetts MidState Trail that traverses from north to south. You may want to check park information and map at: http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/doug.htm http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/trails/Douglas.gif The suggested hike (marked red on topo) is the MidState Trail north to south, and upon reaching the south junction with the Coffeehouse Trail, traveling east untill you reach Wallum Lk. This would make for 6.6mi of easy terrain with some small hills to climb. You will pass nice lakes, wells, and diverse birds. MST is marked with yellow triangles. If you just do this portion, I recomend you park cars at the north and south trailheads. I have also marked on the topo map (in blue) an 8.7mi combination of trails you can use to return to your car if you want to convert this hike into a long (and tiresome) loop, or to enjoy at another... Trailhead: Douglas State Forest is located on the southern border of central Massachusetts. Check park mak: http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/trails/Douglas.gif For North Trail Head (Whitin Reservoir): Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. I-90) to exit 10, Rte. 395 south, Rte. 16 east for 5 miles. Cedar Street north (on your left. Turn left into Wallis St, and turn left again on Northwest main st. About 1.25mi, you will find the trailhead road to the left. For South Trail Head (Wallum Lake): Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. I-90) to exit 10, Rte. 395 south, Rte. 16 east for 5 miles. Cedar Street south (on the right) which converts into Wallum Lake Rd. The park's main entrance will be on your right. Parking spot about a mile beyond. (Lat:42.07789 Lon:-71.78752) Trail Guides for Mid State Trail - Douglas: MidState Trail Guide by www.midstatetrail.org (www.midstatetrail.org) Nature Walks in Central Massachusetts by René Laubach (Appalachian Mountain Club Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Mass DEM - 508 476-7872 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jose Anes, who has posted 25 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by TK on 2/4/2007 crampons are needed at the cow tunnel at rt 20.
Reviewed by pitdog on 1/21/2007 I just hiked the s part of the trail.The shelter was in good shape.The trails were nice with a few blow downs.I completed a loop of 7 mi around the lake. 
Reviewed by pitdog on 1/16/2007 we hiked from rt 16 to northwest main about 4.2 miles the air was crisp and cool. Nightwalker who hikes mostly at night went along for a day hike. this is a nice section and we seen a coyote and he looked healthy.pease pitdog 
Reviewed by nudistyou@yahoo on 9/25/2006 while on vacation visiting the family I Rode my beach cruiser nude the whole way from east douglas to rhode island on the grand trunk railroad labor day weekend. Absolutely wonderful, stopped by wallom lake went skinny dipping then did some camping and met up with a few other hikers and we were all swimming naked and loved every minute of the freedom without the restriction of clothing!!!, they all left early that morning and the other hikers went home to get thier bikes and we continued riding the grand trunk the rest of the way together what fun!!!, i think everyone should get back into nature the natural way without clothes. Dave Armstrong-Delray beach,Fl
Reviewed by TOULA on 5/24/2006 I HIKE THIS SECTION OFTEN. CAMPED AT THE SHELTER A FEW TIMES. IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL. I RATE THIS SECTION EXCELLANT!!!!
Reviewed by pitdog on 4/30/2006 hiked to the shelter on the midstate trail.we spent another wonderful night there with a good friend,and we enjoyed the night listening to the owls. pitdog. p.s cool and dry
Reviewed by PITDOG on 4/17/2006 OUT ON AN EASTER HIKE TO MIDSTATE SHELTER ANOTHER AWSOME DAY PITDOG GA ME 97
Reviewed by tk on 4/15/2006 great place to live Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Massachusetts Hiking, Massachusetts Trails, Massachusetts Hikes, Worcester County Hiking, Worcester County Trails, Worcester County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||