Massachusetts · Hiking

Esker Loop Trail

Esker Loop TrailPhoto: Bob Burkhardt, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
1.4 mi
round trip
215 ft
climb
275 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr, Jul–Oct
best months

Esker Loop Trail is an easy out-and-back hike of about 2.7 miles, with a total elevation gain of about 47 feet, on Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in central Massachusetts. The trail rises from roughly 250 feet to about 275 feet, with the steepest stretch coming at about half a mile in. The land is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Fitchburg put May highs around 70°F and September highs around 74°F, while July climbs to about 83°F and January highs sit near 34°F. Several other outings lie close by. Priest Bridge Road and Wharton Road, both cross-country ski routes, are each about a mile and a half away. Kotik Crag, a climbing area, is about 2 miles off, and Spacious Skies Campgrounds at Minute Man is about 4 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jul–Oct

    Best time to visit Esker Loop Trail

    Best months: April and July–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      34° / 16°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      37° / 17°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      45° / 25°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      58° / 35°

      12 wet

    5. May

      70° / 46°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      78° / 56°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 61°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 60°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      74° / 51°

      11 wet

    10. Oct

      62° / 40°

      12 wet

    11. Nov

      50° / 30°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      40° / 22°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Fitchburg Muni Ap, MA, 7.5 mi away at 348 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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