AllTrails describes the area as follows:

“Explore this … loop trail near Charlton, Massachusetts.  Generally considered a moderately challenging route….  This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and paddle sports, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.  The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.  Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.”

“Almost 500 acres of land comprise the natural environment at Buffumville Lake.  Forms of recreation include fishing, hunting, seven miles of multi-use trails, and group picnic shelters.  The lake is also popular for canoeing, kayaking and primitive boat-in camping.  Buffumville Lake is a 200-acre (0.81 km2), 5.2-billion-US-gallon (20,000,000 m3) capacity United States Army Corps of Engineers flood control lake project located in Charlton, Massachusetts.  The lake and surrounding grounds are open to the public for hiking, boating, fishing, and hunting.  A 27-hole frisbee golf course is located next to the lake.  Buffumville Lake is managed as a unit with the nearby Hodges Village Dam flood control project.”

Participants will meet in the Unitarian Universalist church parking lot at 140 Shore Drive in Worcester at 10:30 on Saturday morning, February 10, and drive to the Buffumville Lake boat launch for parking at 11:00.  We will proceed counterclockwise around the lake completing the South loop (about four miles) and looking for a scenic lookout by the lake shore, where we will pause for lunch.  We will return to the church in late afternoon.

Participants are asked to bring their lunch, water bottle, warm clothes, and rain gear in case of a shower.

Those riding with David Miller are requested to wear masks in the car. To join this outing or for more information, contact David Miller, 508-853-8964 or sentierdeau at gmail dot com.