Historical Observations

The Midstate Trail finally came together in its present form around the late 1970s. For many years prior to this, several short trails had been in use in the general area where the Midstate Trail currently traverses. Also, by the 1920s, a complete trail existed from Mt. Wachusctt to Mt. Watatic. This trail fell into disuse over the years. Then about 1972, the Worcester County Com-missioners proposed to create a trail across the entire county. They appointed a Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Trails. Later, after this committee splin-tered, a group of dedicated people formed the Midstate Trail Committee to plan the actual route and to work on its construction. Some of the Committee’s members belonged to the Worcester section of theGreen Mountain Club, which encouraged the project. Throughout the 1980s, many people worked hard and can take credit for bringing the Midstate Trail to life. Their vision has resulted in a great feat of recreation that can take you, the hiker, through some of the finest territory in Central Massachusetts. Few people, however, have dedicated themselves to the inception of the Trail as much as the late Lester Vielle, the late Bob Humes, Bob Eaton and Stan Whitman. Their extraordinary commitment and drive was greatly responsible for making the Midstate Trail a reality.

Today, the Midstate Trail Committee, under the auspices of the Worcester chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, continues the administration and maintenance of the Trail. The Committee is augmented by a larger group of resident volunteer maintainers, who, like you, are invaluable to the survival of the Midstate Trail. Both AMC and GMC local chapters are assisting with hike publicity and recruitment of maintainers. The Committee welcomes any-one willing to help maintain a part of this "close to home" trail. The Department of Environmental Management has provided support, map printing, and publicity over the years.