1 hour east of Boston stands Wachusett Mountain, offering stunning vistas of central Massachusetts from the 2006ft peak as well as numerous hiking trails.
The main parking lot is on the northern side of the park, at the ski lodge, but you can choose from a variety of parking lots along the perimeter of the park (the peak is reachable from all of them).
The trail network makes it easy to choose your route as you like, as you'll find junctions quite frequently. If you prefer a classic route, start at the ski lodge and hike up the Balanced Rock trail, continuing to Semuhenna Trail, around the south side of the peak along the Harrington Trail. Admire the views from the 2006ft peak before hiking back along the Old Indian Trail (more direct), or a bit to the east along the Pine Hill Trail to Don Browo Trail if you prefer to extend the hike or avoid the more popular trails.
Wachusett Mountain Trail Map
Once back at your car, drive 10 miles north to Wachusett Brewing Company. Wachusett was started in 1994 by 3 Massachusetts college buddies so that they would have something to quench their thirst after a day of hiking, biking, canoeing, or more in the local wilderness.
Taste some of their many different beers, grab an outdoor table for a late lunch, listen to the live music, or play a few lawn games outside. It's always a fun and family-friend atmosphere at the Brewyard.
Drive back along route 2 towards Boston (1 hr), or wherever your final destination may be.