Hiking Massachusetts Peaks

Mass 50 Public Peaks rank: #42
Elevation: 1,838 feet
Prominence: 509 feet
Isolation: 3.5 miles
Summit coordinates: 42°41’48.0″N 71°53’33.0″W
Town: Ashburnham, Massachusetts
Conservation Area: Mount Watatic Reservation and Ashburnham State Forest

Links:
Mount Watatic on Peakbagger
Mount Watatic on Listsof John
Mount Watatic on Wikipedia
Mount Watatic on Alltrails

General info: Mount Watatic, the eastern-most of the Massachusetts 50 Highest Public Peaks is a prominent monadnock located at the southern end of the Wapack Range, straddling the towns of Ashburnham and Ashby in Massachusetts. It is known for its excellent network of trails and panoramic summit views, making it a popular destination for hikers. A very rewarding summit, but it tends to be crowded. The Wapack Range is a 21-mile mountain ridge stretching from Ashburnham, Massachusetts, north to Greenfield, New Hampshire. It forms a natural divide between the Merrimack and Connecticut River watersheds and features notable mountains like Mount Watatic, Mount Monadnock, Pack Monadnock, and North Pack Monadnock. The range is home to the historic Wapack Trail, one of the oldest long-distance hiking trails in the U.S., established in 1923. For those interesting in bagging county highpoints, the Middlesex County highpoint is located within this reservation of the slope of adjacent Nutting Mountain (although I’m not crazy about slope high-points).

Historical background: The name “Watatic” is likely derived from the Native American term “Wetu-tick,” meaning “dwelling brook,” initially referring to a nearby stream before being applied to the mountain and pond. The region surrounding Mount Watatic was historically inhabited by the Nashaway people, a band of the broader Algonquin-speaking groups, prior to European settlement. Other tribes, such as the Nipmuc, Massachusetts, and Pennacook, also utilized the area for hunting and habitation. Native Americans associated Mount Watatic with “Wituomanit,” a deity believed to guard households from misfortune. Historical accounts mention indigenous pilgrimages to the summit to make offerings to this deity. In the 1930s, Mount Watatic became home to a ski area that operated until 1984. The ski area featured rope tows, T-bars, and chairlifts, attracting winter sports enthusiasts until competition and accessibility challenges led to its closure. Additionally, the summit hosted a state fire tower (#31) until its removal in 1996. In 2002, conservation efforts by local organizations and the towns of Ashburnham and Ashby led to the permanent protection of 280 acres, including the summit, ensuring public access and the preservation of the mountain’s natural beauty.

Recommended ascent routes:
Wapack Loop–I followed this loop on my visit to Mount Watatic. Plenty of parking at the Ashburnham State Forest parking area on Route 119. Great views from the peak. Nice woods around Nutting Mountain. I remember the State Line Trail along the west side of this route being very washed out and the trail bed full of rocky rubble, a little difficult. But otherwise, this is a real pleasure of a day hike.

Nearby Listed Peaks: There are no other Massachusetts 50 Highest peaks in reasonable hiking distance from Mount Watatic. The nearest is Mount Wachusett, about a 30 minute drive away. But if you want to summit some peaks in New Hampshire, you can certainly continue north from Watatic along the very popular Wapack Trail.

Click to enlarge photos: