Winter Adventures in North Central Massachusetts

by John Burke

Cross Country and Downhill Skiing, Snowshoeing, Skating, Ice Fishing, and Even Curling

North Central Massachusetts is an outstanding destination for winter recreation, offering a variety of seasonal activities including cross country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, skating, ice fishing, and even curling.

Skiing the Slopes at Wachusett

One of New England’s most popular and accessible ski resorts, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area features twenty-seven trails of varied terrain on the highest peak in Massachusetts east of the Berkshires. Options range from challenging runs such as the 10th Mountain and Smith Walton trails to numerous beginner and intermediate routes. Instructors provide ski and snowboard lessons, clinics, and racing programs for all ages and skill levels. Visit Wachusett.com for more information.

Cross Country & Snowshoe Trails

Nature lovers can explore dozens of scenic trails throughout the region:

• A wide range of trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and dog sledding invites exploration of the region’s many parks and nature preserves. The extensive trail network at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation includes both rugged summit routes and easy paths such as Echo Lake Trail and Balance Rock Trail.
• Winter hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Boston, Wachusett Mountain, the Berkshire Hills, and Mount Monadnock from Mount Watatic in Ashburnham. The Midstate/Wapack and State Line trails form a 2.4-mile circuit that passes another scenic vista atop Nutting Hill.
• The contiguous Otter River State Forest, Lake Dennison Recreation Area, and Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area feature woods roads and trails winding through the Millers and Otter river watersheds in Templeton, Winchendon, and Royalston. A mostly level 7.5-mile recreational trail loops around Long Pond, part of the Tully Lake flood control basin in Royalston. For more details, visit mass.gov/location/otter-river-state-forest.
• In Athol, the Bearsden Conservation Area offers a mix of unpaved roads and woodland paths, with moderate to steep grades on the hills of the Millers River Valley. Learn more at athol-ma.gov/parks-trails/pages/bearsden-conservation-area.

Hidden Gems for Winter Exploration

• During open house events on Saturdays in February, the Finnish Center at Saima Park (67 Scott Road, Fitchburg) opens trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with some equipment available for loan. Details at saima-park.org.
• Leominster State Forest features smooth woods roads and technically challenging trails along the slopes of Ball, Berry, and Wolf Den hills. In Willard Brook State Forest (Townsend and Ashby), popular ski routes such as the Friends Trail wind through groves of maple, oak, and pine.
• The diverse habitats of Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton offer opportunities to observe tracks of moose, bobcats, river otters, and other wildlife. The sanctuary rents snowshoes and allows skiing on designated trails.
• Groton Town Forest offers a mix of flat loops and challenging hills across fifteen miles of trails, while J. Harry Rich State Forest provides level terrain along the Nashua River—ideal for beginners and families.
• An extensive network of protected lands and trails in Shirley includes town-owned properties such as Longley Acres, Holden Road, Ronchetti Conservation Area, and Birchwood Hills.

Cool on Ice: Skating & Fishing

Ice skaters can enjoy public skating and programs for all skill levels at Gardner Veteran’s Arena, which offers equipment rentals, a party room, and a snack bar. At the Wallace Civic Center at Fitchburg State University, a recently renovated state-of-the-art ice rink hosts public skating, figure skating, and leagues for college, youth, adult, and women’s hockey.

There is a public skating rink on Rogers Field in Devens.

Popular destinations for ice fishing include Asnacomet Pond (Hubbardston), Connors Pond (Petersham), and Lake Dennison (Winchendon), all supporting populations of trout, bass, perch, and pickerel.

From Curling Craze to Classic Sleigh Rides

The sport of curling has gained popularity in recent years, especially during Olympic years. Founded in 1960 and operated by volunteers, the Petersham Curling Club—one of only four in Massachusetts—features two ice sheets for league matches, tournaments, biathlons, and open houses. Visit petershamcurling.org for details.

For a nostalgic winter treat, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Cornerstone Ranch in Princeton. After the ride, warm up with hot cocoa at the heated pavilion. More at cornerstoneranch.org.

Whether you’re carving turns, exploring wooded trails, or gliding across frozen ponds, North Central Massachusetts offers timeless experiences to savor all season long.

John Burk is a writer and photographer based in Petersham.