Athol between River, Forest, and Local History

Athol can be explored in different ways: along the Millers River, on trails through forests and open landscapes, or at sites that tell the town’s history. The lake also offers different ways to shape your stay. When planning your trip, it’s helpful to first consider whether you’d rather focus on short walks, longer hikes, bodies of water, or cultural discoveries.

River, Lake, and Trails Through the Landscape

The Alan E. Rich Environmental Park provides access to the Millers River for car-top boats. The park also has a short loop trail through young forest and open areas of the Millers River Wildlife Management Area. Here, river access and a manageable loop through two different types of landscape come together. The Millers River Blue Trail runs between Cass Meadow in Athol and River Front Park in Orange, offering another way to explore the river’s surroundings.

Trails in the Bearsden Conservation Area also vary. A steep, quarter-mile trail leads from the main parking area to the Round Top Vista viewpoint. Other trails in the area lead to the Newton Reservoir. Those who prefer an easy, level hike can choose the Rabbit Run Trail, which offers a different kind of walk. Information about the gradient and trail conditions can help you choose a route that suits your preferences.

The Barrens Loop is a quarter-mile loop over deep sand deposited by glacial Lake Orange. The trail offers a distinctive landscape that differs from the forest and river areas. For a longer loop through the Lawton State Forest, there is a five-mile route in total: it includes a two-mile Ridge section and a three-mile Forestry section. Access is available from the Townsend Road entrance or from Skyfields Arboretum, next to the Mount Grace Land Trust Headquarters in Athol.

Water also shapes the opportunities at Silver Lake. Silver Lake Park in Athol has a beach. Fishing is permitted along the shore of Silver Lake everywhere outside the beach area. Those interested in fishing should also note the rules for the catch-and-release area of the Millers River Wildlife Management Area, which extends from the Templeton/Athol railroad bridge to the first dam in Athol. Only artificial lures are allowed there; natural bait may not be carried.

Discover Local History and Nature

The Athol History Trail has 24 stops. Each is marked with a sign describing its role in Athol’s history. The signs provide historical points of reference for visitors and make the trail a way to learn about the town’s development. Exhibits at the Athol Historical Society Museum change over time, and a wide range of museum objects is displayed on the ground floor of a renovated historic building.

At Skyfields Arboretum, the Arboretum Trail passes through different habitat types. Along the way, you can learn about the tree and shrub species identified there. Another seasonal highlight is the River Rat Race, held each spring on the Millers River in Athol. When planning your stay, you can weigh nature watching, trails, local history, and this recurring spring event without combining these different experiences into a single outing.

When choosing a vacation rental in Athol, your preferred kind of trip can be a good starting point: Would you mainly like to explore the trails, spend time by the water, or visit historic sites and exhibitions? The options described here offer different things to focus on.

Explore More Places

If you’d also like to visit other places: Gardner, Sutton, Millbury, Leominster, Harvard, Grafton, Dudley and Ashburnham.

For the broader travel overview: Worcester.