Of course, with its modest altitude (2006 ft), Wachusett is not a mountaineering experience in the true sense: the barren summit offers 360° vistas but the hike is never above the timberline. However, the hike is challenging, with rocky trails in the first part of the trip and a long walk to come back, and the ski slopes and lifts still give the place the appearance of a higher elevation. In fact, we consider Wachusett the third best mountain destination for hiking around Boston, after the White Mountains and nearby Mount Monadnock.

Trails are clearly marked with colored blazes and trail signs at most intersections, but as always having the map with you is a matter of safety. Hiking there in poor weather is a good way of avoiding avoid the usual crowds at the summit (we actually had the summit for ourselves on a rainy and foggy Saturday in August), but the rocky slabs and tree stumps can become extremely slippery when wet, especially after heavy rains, when trails are transformed in streams. Even in warm weather, the summit can be a windy place, so make sure you pack a windproof jacket in our backpack.

Depending on your pace, you should count on 5 to 6 hours to complete the hike, including stops along the way and at the summit.