| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Watatic, Nutting Hill, MA |
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 | Trails: |
Wapack Trail, Midstate Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, May 21, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Rt 119 is Central Mass' answer to the Franconia Parkway; a smaller version of DO NOT PARK HERE! Like up north, it doesn't matter if the lot is full, you can not park on the side of the road and they have a big flashing sign warning you in both directions. This is a popular place and if people don't park considerately, there is no more room. About .9 miles before you get here, there is another parking area. When you look in, it says "trail closed," but there were several cars there. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Bog bridges at beginning small pond. A couple planks will need to be replaced. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One big blowdown on the Midstate Trail. As noted above, a plank or two needs replacement. Excellent signage. Thank you! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw many dogs. Many considerate owners, too; this is the first time in a while that I haven't seen "doggy bags" along the trail. Thanks! |
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 | Bugs: |
A couple mosquitoes. Many black flies, but few were biting. a few pretty butterflies. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Wanted a "real" hike; elevation gain, rocks, roots, views... but without risking other peoples' health, making people nervous with my Mass plates. Watatic is a little more than an hour from Lawrence, can get there without having to make pit stops or get gas. Hadn't been here in more than 20 years, it seemed different this time. Seemed easier as well. I wonder if the "closed trail" down the street was the one we had actually used before.
Had a wish fulfilled here. Since we've been staying local, we have not seen any painted trillium this year. The first few minutes of the Wapack Trail had several. Shortly after this, the trail turns right while the midstate Trail continues ahead. Counterclockwise was a great way to do this. There are several herdpaths on this hike, look for the signs to keep you on board. Beautiful ascent, steep in a few places and flat in others, going through evergreens and hardwoods. Watatic has a double summit (mini-Guyot, Haha). The true one has a few trees obstructing the views, the slightly lower one is perfect. After enjoying these two summits for quite a while we heading for Nutting Hill. A very pretty walk, but I was confused as I thought there were also supposed to be views here as well. Nonetheless, it is a lovely place. Came to the Midstate Trail, which we used to get back to the parking lot. What a great little place! I'm sorry we stayed away for so many years. This is a good hike for children. |
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 | Name: |
Beckie and Prema |
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 | E-Mail: |
beckiejani@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-05-21 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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