The Greater Worcester Land Trust
The Challenge
To meet the challenge, individuals must successfully complete 10 of 11 trails that make up the Hike Worcester Challenge. The 11 trails are placed throughout the city of Worcester, like natural reprieves in the midst of a very urban area. The trails allow visitors to experience natural areas without having to travel far. A few of the ten of the trails are:
- The Cascades
- Bovenzi
- Crow Hill
- East Side Trail
- Southwick Pond
- Holbrook to Donker Farm
- Kettle Brook
An eleventh trail, the Moreland Wood is easier and not part of the challenge. Other trails have varying levels of difficulty. Those who complete the challenge, which is a term used for completing a series of hiking trails, will receive a patch as evidence of their accomplishments.
Taking it Outdoors
Hiking the GWLT trails is not just an activity for those who regularly enjoy the outdoors. It is a way for many people who feel cooped up to get outside and experience what nature has to offer. It’s a way for people to learn to appreciate the natural resources Massachusetts has to offer while being located near the amenities of civilization. For those who want to forsake those amenities and rough it, camping is also available.
Enjoy the GWLT
Visitors can also take part in other activities, such as birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, cross-country skiing, or geocaching. Hikers are encouraged to take pictures along the way and post them on the GWLT social media sites.
High Tech Treasure Hunt
Geocaching, or caching, is a treasure hunting activity that involves using your phone’s GPS to locate a cache, which is a container of various sizes but is registered as a site. The cache contains a logbook to register that you found the site, and perhaps a knick-knack to take as a souvenir. Participants are encouraged to leave knick-knacks as well. The GWLT has a list of rules for caches, which include not placing them more than 15 feet off a trail.
The GWLT also has a list of pet etiquette suggestions, including a “leave no trace” policy. The GWLT seeks to promote protecting the natural environment entrusted to it. That mission is periodically reevaluated.
Stop by the Greater Worcester Land Trust
The GWLT managers advise people to review its policies and fact sheet before going in order to be safe and to help protect the natural scenery. A map of the entire hiking system is available to visitors.
The Greater Worcester Land Trust is a non-profit (501c3) located in Worcester, MA. The GWLT was incorporated as a way of preserving open space. Find them on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
