Mt. Watatic (Ashby, MA)
We had never heard of Mt. Watatic until last week, but it’s easily one of the best “real” hikes within a ~1 hour drive of metro Boston. It’s a short but relatively steep hike to a rocky summit with solid views that’s suitable for all ages. It’s the 18th tallest mountain in Massachusetts, and one of the tallest mountains in the state east of the Berkshires.
Hike Overview
Distance: Approximately 2.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~606 feet
Difficulty: Moderate (short, but there are steep sections)
- Trail Map: AllTrails
Getting There
The trailhead for Mt. Watatic is located directly off Route 119 on the Ashburnham/Ashby town line and very close to the border with New Hampshire. It’s about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the city of Boston, and roughly an hour if you’re coming from some of the surrounding suburbs.
Primary Parking: There is a dedicated paved parking lot right at the trailhead on Route 119. This lot frequently fills to capacity on weekends and holidays.
Overflow Parking: If the main lot is full, parking is permitted along Old Pierce Road, a dirt road located directly across Route 119 from the main entrance.
Map/Aerial
Trail Description
The hike begins on a wide dirt path that gives way to a boardwalk along a small swampy area to the right. The trail then branches to the right and begins its ascent, marked by yellow blazes to the summit. While trail signs and maps state it is 1.1 miles to the summit, the actual distance is slightly farther. The hike is short overall, but the ascent is relatively steep with steady uphill sections over rocks and roots. Despite the incline, the trail is manageable for families; it is an enjoyable hike for young kids who are comfortable with a consistent climb.
The true summit is marked by a large rock cairn. While there are nice views from the peak, the perspective is partially obstructed by tree growth. If you are hiking in mid-to-late summer, this summit area features numerous wild blueberry bushes. For unobstructed, multi-directional views, continue just beyond the summit to the designated viewpoint. This open, rocky ledge provides clear sightlines over northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
