Wachusett Greenways
January 2003 Activities
Connecting the Wachusett Community with Trails and Greenways
January 25, 2003
The Sterling "Big Dig Bridges" were moved to Oxford for restoration.
The bridges for the rail trail in Sterling, MA which were donated from the Big Did project in Boston were removed Friday, January 24, 2003 to be restored. Volunteer efforts by Leahy Excavating of Holden moved the bridges from the rail trail (at the Quag) in Sterling and brought to Oxford, MA for restoration. Volunteers from Leahy who braved the 17 degree cold temperatures were: Ted Leahy, Bill McKelvie, Dan Sobol, and Eric Richardson. Also volunteering and supplying the flatbed truck was Rich Bednarczyk of Wachusett Precast of Sterling. MDC ranger, Rick Mathews assisted in opening the gates to allow the vehicles to enter. Wachusett Greenways members Ed Yaglou who coordinated the effort and Hank Ouellette who took these pictures were also present.
The bridges will be resurfaced for better weather protection and improved hand rails.
Wachusett Greenways wishes to thank these people for volunteering their time and expense to help in the construction of the rail trail.
Wachusett Greenways sponsored a snowshoe trip up Wachusett Mountain on January 19, 2003 with Dick McNamara and Cheryl Houston of the Seven Hills Wheelmen.
Great Trails for Local Cross Country Skiing
by Ida Nystrom
Wachusett Greenways
Gaze out your windows – if you can that is. We are experiencing one of the snowier winters in recent memory. Maybe your thoughts are turning to how quickly you can get to Florida. However, if you are one of those who enjoy a good "old fashioned" winter, then there is good news. Great cross country skiing doesn't require either a long drive or an expenditure for a trail pass. Wachusett Greenways would like to offer a few suggestions on some local places to enjoy winter activities.
The Mass Central Rail Trail is perfect for cross country skiing. The level surface of the reconstructed rail bed ensures good conditions even when the snow base is less than adequate on other trails. One beautiful section lies between the Oakdale trail entrance on Route 140 and the River St gate in Holden. Parking is available in both these locations. As you ski along snow covered evergreens and river views enhance the experience. You'll cross the Charlotte Kaplan and Jeremiah Kaplan bridges over the Quinapoxet River as it makes its way to Wachusett Reservoir. This three mile segment is one of the most beautiful and accessible in the area.
Two sections of rail trail are skiable in Rutland. From the parking lot on Wachusett St., just west of Route 68, the trail leads south about one and a half miles toward Holden through beautiful reforested farmlands. Look closely to see if you can spot the cow tunnel under the old rail bed. At the present time the trail ends shortly after you pass under the power line. Reverse direction and make your way back to your car.
Between Glenwood Rd. and Pommogusset St (Rt. 57), a 1.3 mile segment of trail has recently been partially constructed with services donated by Len Gengel, C & S Builders, Inc. and is another favorite. Head out on the level rail bed and take in the views of Moulton Pond. You'll pass through lovely wild forest. Park a the unmarked rail trail entrance on Glenwood Road just downhill from Love's Tree Farm.
In Sterling you can ski from the Cider Mill shops at the center along a mile of rail trail to the missing bridge and a lovely view of the Quag and West Waushacum. Watch for stumps on the sides of the trail which are still to be cleared.
Two sections of rail trail connector in Holden offer more of a challenge. The forest road between River St. and Manning St. has more gentle curves and ups and downs than you find when the trail is on the former railroad. Look at the tree trunks as you pass. You will find the large rectangular holes that tell you pileated woodpeckers live in this area. The "over-the-hill" trail, constructed to connect Manning St. with Rt. 31, climbs steeply via switchbacks to emerge on the top of the ridge with spectacular views. This section is best left to the expert skiers looking for a special challenge, but most snowshoers will find it very attractive. A parking lot where the trail crosses Manning St allows access to both these trail segments.
When completed the rail trail will traverse about 30 miles of our region, and connect to existing trails on both the eastern and western ends. Some sections in our area which have not yet undergone construction still provide pleasant skiing. One especially nice piece begins near the bridge at the end of Mill St. From here you can access a network of MDC trails including a section of rail trail. Start at the gate beside the road and head uphill. At the first trail junction head straight ahead or turn right. Different combinations of the area's looping trails allow you to combine several of them and increase the skiable mileage.
From Miles Rd. to Charnock Hill Rd in Rutland the future rail trail traverses a causeway through Thayer Pond, leading to the famous Charnock cut, one of the engineering marvels of its day. The railbed at this point leads into Rutland State Park. Although some areas of the park get heavy snowmobile use, the miles of dirt roads and foot trails provide a network big enough for everyone to enjoy.
Don't overlook the trails in the Holden's Trout Brook area. These forested lands offer a little more rugged skiing and are especially attractive for snowshoeing. Pick up a copy of the White Oak and Trout Brook Trail Guide from the Holden Library, Wachusett Greenways or White Oak before you begin. The system of trails in the reservation allow you many choices for routes of varying lengths. One trail combination which makes a nice ski loop is to begin on the Bob Elms trail (with blue markings). When you reach the red and white trails, return via either one. The new White Oak trail, just dedicated in June 2002, connects with many of the existing Trout Brook Trails. Armed with your trail guide you can plan a trip to suit your own preferences. Most people are familiar with the large plowed town lot on Manning St, but parking is also available at the end of North St. The owners of White Oak Farm graciously allow skiers and snowshoers the use of their lot. Please make sure not to block the right of way for their customers.