Midstate Trail Thru-Hike

The Midstate Trail is a scenic footpath that runs 92+ miles through Worcester County, Massachusetts, from the Rhode Island border to the New Hampshire border.

The northern terminus of the Midstate Trail is located on the New Hampshire border on the Ashburnham/Ashby Massachusetts town line just north of the summit of Mount Watatic. The southern terminus is located on the Rhode Island border in Douglas, Massachusetts in Douglas State Forest. Though being so close to a large city and highways, the trail sneaks through local woods, farmland, a few state forests, townlands, wildlife management areas, and even private property that has been made available to the trail users.

My first attempt in 2021 got rained out, while I can still hike it, taking photographs would not be so easy. I was chased by a thunderstorm the first day, and the projected forecast was mostly rain. The following year I set out once again only to limp into the same location I bailed the year before. 2023 was promising until my hydropack sprung a leak and then a support pole for my tent snapped, ultimately forcing me off trail right after passing the midway marker. While these initial attempts were in May, I would try a September go for 2024 and completed the trail in 9 days.

Now I am working on compiling all the information, notes, and research (along with all the photographs) to create a “Photo-Guide” of the trail and elaborate on all the details. I hope to release this offering in May 2025.