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heresdevking t1_j6i8cmy wrote

Reply to comment by donkadunny in Natick apparently by roadtrip-ne

The west side of the mountain is awesome hiking this time of year. Snowshoeing, when the snow is deep.

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newestJourney t1_j6iw8l0 wrote

any suggestion on which trail(s) to take? I've only done the roadway up during non-winter months, but would be great to hike up what you mention...just not sure where it is.

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heresdevking t1_j6jl6z7 wrote

My favorite is parking at the trailhead of the North Road. You can continue up to a scenic vista with a couple of nice picnic tables or take the left fork toward Balance Rock -- there's a very pretty pool on the way. In the winter, I avoid the steep side trails. The Echo Lake road with parking near Mountainside Bakery & Cafe goes to the lake, with another nice picnic table. At the lake you can go left along a popular route for cross-country skiers or to the right on a steep climb up to an old orchard/meadow with a comfortable bench.

Heavy snow pack is the best time to do the Bicentennial trail from the visitor center. Otherwise you're picking your way long a path of big rocks.

There's maps at the trailheads. It's safe to mostly wander, most days.

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