NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Willowdale State Forest, MA
Trails
Trails: Pine Swamp Circuit
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: We parked at the Linebrook parking area 1.2mi east of the road's jct with Rt 1. Large dirt lot with room for many cars. Many were there by 9am but still plenty of room. Lots of bikers too. Similar situation at 10:45am.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: I think all brook crossings were bridged but if there was one or two that were not, then they were trivial.  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The western part of the trail coincides with the BCT and is marked with the usual circular markings; maybe some white blazes as well. I don't recall any blazes on the eastern half of the loop. Also note that the trail is not named or signed and "Pine Swamp Circuit" seems to just be a name made up by the author of the guidebook. I could not find anything online about it either. A widowmaker/leaner well above the trail about 30min in, then a very old and easy stepover about a half hour later.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Good trails for dogs. They are allowed but must be leashed/picked up after.  
Bugs
Bugs: I think there were snowfleas!  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: None 
 
Comments
Comments: First hike of the day and I thought this would be a good one to do with madre. There was a bit less swamp and views of it than expected but there were a couple nice vantage points and birders would probably enjoy this hike. Pretty flat. Basically a light covering of snow the entire hike. This is one that can be a bit hard to map out without using their trail map online to see the numbered trail jcts that the guidebook talks about, so please let me know if you'd like my track. Note that you need a 0.4mi OAB for redlining. Gaia had us at 4.4mi, 100ft of gain.  
Name
Name: Liam Cooney 
E-Mail
E-Mail: liamcooney96@gmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2025-01-21 
Link
Link: https://www.mass.gov/locations/willowdale-state-forest 
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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