HomeMassachusettsWestminster › Balance Rock

Balance Rock

4.8 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Westminster, Massachusetts · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Balance Rock yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Scenic

What runners say about Balance Rock

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (25 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“It’s a beautiful scenic trail with lots cuts into the ski trails, the views are breath taking as well it’s a moderate hike…”

A cool rock to check out. The trail was fairly quick and not difficult. I am hoping to explore more of the Wachusett Mountain area.

★★★★★ — George , Jun 2024

Very well maintained trail, and folks are respectful towards other hikers including with respect to leashing their dogs.

★★★★★ — Christian , Nov 2024

Walking through this trail brings one back to childhood days, when times were simpler. This short, but beautiful trail is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon. The sounds of nature create a hidden symphony for those who seek it out to listen.

★★★★★ — Matt , Dec 2018

Good work by the glacier that left these rocks in this formation! 5 star glacier! To get here from the skiing area parking lot, start at the brown map sign and be sure to turn onto the trail going uphill, rather than taking the path all the way to the ski area.

★★★★★ — Brent , Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“It’s a beautiful scenic trail with lots cuts into the ski trails, the views are breath taking as well it’s a moderate hike…”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Balance Rock

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitemass.gov
  • Phone+1 978-464-2987

Where to find Balance Rock

Bolton Pond Trail, Westminster, MA 01473

Get directions

Running trails near Westminster

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,269 reviews

Princeton, MA

Scenic

Protected area including roadways to the summit, 17 miles of hiking & biking trails & ski slopes.

1.1 miles away

Leominster State Forest Rocky Pond Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Princeton, MA

1.9 miles away

Leominster State Forest

4.6 ★★★★★ 621 reviews

Westminster, MA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Destination for activities such as hiking, fishing, mountain climbing & cross-country skiing.

2.6 miles away

Leominster State Forest Elm Trailhead

4.3 ★★★★☆ 14 reviews

Leominster, MA

4.2 miles away

West Fitchburg Steamline Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 66 reviews

Fitchburg, MA

Crushed gravelScenic

Trail with waterfalls and other natural attractions that's also home to some picnic tables.

5.0 miles away

Monoosnoc trailhead wachusett st

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Leominster, MA

4 miLoopMixedDog-friendly

5.5 miles away

All running trails in Westminster, MA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.