HISTORICAL OBSERVATIONS
Text from the Midstate Trail Guide.
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
Commissioners proposed to create a trail across the entire county. They appointed a Citizen’s
Advisory Committee for Trails. Later, after this committee splintered, 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 the Green 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 anyone 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.
