Hiking in MetroWest Massachusetts in December

Hiking in MetroWest Massachusetts in December is about working with nine hours of daylight and whatever the sky decides to drop. Some Decembers bring a foot of snow and a week of snowshoeing; most bring frozen ground, a dusting, and a thaw. The deer seasons run for the whole month, so this is the month to carry an orange hat in the car as a matter of habit, and to start walks early enough that 4:15 sunsets do not catch you out.

What December is like

The solstice falls around the 21st, with just over nine hours of daylight and sunset at about 4:12 PM. Most conservation land here closes at dusk, so a two-hour walk needs to start by 2. Ground that froze overnight thaws into mud in the afternoon sun, then refreezes, so slip-on traction spikes are the single most useful thing to pack.

Early ice is the hazard of the month. MassWildlife's ice page says new clear ice of four inches may hold a person on foot, two inches or less means stay off, and ice over moving water is unpredictable.

Hiking in MetroWest Massachusetts in December: where to go

The reservoir on foot, skis or snowshoes

The Sudbury Reservoir Trail runs about five miles along the shore across Southborough, and DCR's rules for the reservoir allow walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. They prohibit dogs, bikes, sledding, and ice fishing or skating on the reservoir itself, which is a reserve drinking water supply. Hunting on the watershed land is by DCR permit only, so wear orange on weekdays.

Fields that hold snow

Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough, free and open sunrise to sunset, has two miles of easy trail across hay fields that make the simplest snowshoe outing in town after a storm. No dogs, and assume the electric fences are live even under snow. Callahan State Park, 15 to 20 minutes east, is the bigger version, with seven miles of trails over 800 acres of fields that DCR lists for cross-country skiing, and dogs allowed (off leash only in designated areas).

Hopkinton State Park

Hopkinton State Park, about 10 minutes south, lists cross-country skiing among its activities and has more than 10 miles of trails. Parking is free out of season. DCR allows snowmobiles in the park once there are four inches of snow, so expect to share the wide trails after a storm. Dogs must be leashed everywhere.

Made snow at Weston

The Weston Ski Track, about 25 minutes east, typically opens in the middle of December, weather permitting, with 2.5 km of snowmaking trails lit for evening skiing and up to 15 km more on natural snow. It rents equipment and runs lessons for skate and classic skiing. DCR's Leo J. Martin Ski Track page has the hours and the parking rule (at the ski center only).

Wachusett

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 45 to 50 minutes away, is where the downhill skiers go, and DCR also lists cross-country skiing on the park trails. The summit road is closed to cars until Memorial Day weekend, hunting is allowed on the reservation, and the visitor center lot has only 28 spaces. Our winter weekend guide covers the ski options in more detail.

Drive times are approximate, from Southborough town center, and vary with traffic, especially on Route 9 and the Mass Pike.

Closed this month

• Garden in the Woods is closed for the winter.
• DCR closes the Chasm Trail at Purgatory Chasm for the winter season because the rock is slippery; the other trails stay open.

Deer season for the whole month

Shotgun deer season takes the first two weeks and primitive firearms the rest. In 2026 the MassWildlife summary lists shotgun from November 30 to December 12 and primitive firearms from December 14 to 31, statewide; pheasant, rabbit and other small game pause for the shotgun weeks and reopen after; coyote season runs right through. There is no hunting on Sundays in Massachusetts, and hunting hours end a half hour after sunset.

MassWildlife's advice for non-hunters is to wear bright orange, dress the dog in it too, and stay on marked trails. Where hunting is prohibited, you can skip it: Breakneck Hill, whose town regulations also let people wander off trail once there is snow cover, and Beals Preserve, which allows leashed dogs and bans hunting.

Ticks are not finished either. The state's tick guidance notes that adult deer ticks can be out looking for a host any winter day above freezing, so check after a thaw-day walk.

Back at the house

December is the month Southborough Garden Retreat earns its name indoors: a fireplace in every living area, a jetted tub in the first-floor suite, a glass-ceilinged plant room that stays green, and a games room with a pool table and pinball for the hours after dark. The reservoir trail is a short walk away. Jillian, the host, can tell you where the snow is holding.

Neighbouring months: November and January. For the whole season, see the winter outdoors overview.

Useful links

• Town of Southborough: Sudbury Reservoir Trail
• DCR: Sudbury Reservoir rules
• The Trustees: Chestnut Hill Farm
• DCR: Callahan State Park
• DCR: Hopkinton State Park
• Weston Ski Track
• DCR: Leo J. Martin Ski Track
• DCR: Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
• DCR: Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
• Town of Southborough: Breakneck Hill regulations (PDF)
• Southborough Open Land Foundation: Beals Preserve
• MassWildlife: 2026 hunting season summary
• MassWildlife: safety tips for non-hunters
• MassWildlife: ice strength and safety
• Mass. Department of Public Health: tick-borne disease prevention