Trailhead
Douglas State Forest (south terminus)
MI ≈84.6 · ≈830 ft
92 miles across central Massachusetts state forests and reservations, from the Rhode Island line to New Hampshire. No dedicated shelter chain; most thru-hikers shuttle to a bed or camp off-trail.
“Traverse Midstate Trail (MA) on the Midstate Trail.”
Plan your Midstate Trail (MA) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Midstate Trail
Midstate Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Midstate Trail permit season
- route distance, about, measured along the route
- 93.2mi
Midstate Trail elevation profile
Mount Watatic (north terminus area) to Douglas State Forest (south terminus)Summit
Mount Watatic (north terminus area)
Mile ≈1.2 of 84.6
1.2 Mount Watatic (north terminus area)84.6 Douglas State Forest (south terminus)
- Mile
- ≈1.2
- Elevation
- 1,832 ft
Midstate Trail landmarks
Map of the Midstate Trail, Mount Watatic (north terminus area) to Douglas State Forest (south terminus)
11 of 11 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get a Midstate Trail permit
As of September 2026, Midstate Trail in Midstate Trail (MA), Massachusetts requires a permit issued via walk-up. Midstate Trail rates 3/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Midstate Trail route covers about 93.2 miles, measured along the route.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- MA
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at midstatetrail.org before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on Midstate Trail: Live availability activityMidstate Trail permit itinerary
How much a Midstate Trail permit costs
Midstate Trail permit fee: free (day hiking); no permit or fee to walk the trail.
The Midstate Trail hike
- Distance
- about 93.2 miles, measured along the route
How hard the Midstate Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Midstate Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
☁️
60°
50°
Wed
☁️
62°
54°
Thu
☁️
69°
55°
Fri
🌧️
80°
58°
38%
Sat
☁️
61°
44°
24%
Sun
☁️
61°
41°
24%
Mon
☁️
57°
37°
24%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Midstate Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Midstate Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Midstate Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Midstate Trail FAQ
How do I get a Midstate Trail permit?
Midstate Trail is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Midstate Trail?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Midstate Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 3/10, making it relatively accessible.
What if I can't get a Midstate Trail permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Midstate Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Midstate Trail.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Midstate Trail permit
Where to stay near Midstate Trail
- Willard Brook State Forest campgroundMassachusetts
- Pearl Hill State Park campgroundMassachusetts
- Lake Dennison Recreation AreaMassachusetts
- All Massachusetts campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
Plan a trip here
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