Distance: 2 Miles Roundtrip, options for longer
Difficulty: Easy side of Moderate with steady incline
Located in Townsend State Forest in Townsend, Massachusetts is King’s Cross Outlook. A rocky ledge outcropping with a tall cross. I have tried to find this cross a few times, but have not been successful. You can see the cross when you are driving on Mason Road in Townsend towards the New Hampshire border. I keep telling myself I need to find it. After some research I finally found it. We parked on Old Turnpike Road in Townsend across from Bridal Path Road. There is a small parking area for 2-3 cars. Make sure you do not block the gate.
We walked past the gate on an old road. We walked about a half mile before we took a right up a steady incline. The trails are not marked, but are pretty easy to follow.
The trail was a steady incline meandering through the woods. After another quarter of a mile we took a left and could see the outlook. After walking a few more hundred feet we could see the ledges with the large cross on it.
This looks like a popular hangout spot with lights, a generator and fire pit. With it only being a mile to the cross it is a quick hike with a little workout due to the inclines.
I did follow All Trails App and Google Maps to ensure I was going the right way. As there are several trails throughout Townsend State Forest. Below is my All Trails route.
Overall, I loved this hike and would absolutely return. Townsend State Forest has a large number of trails, so there is a lot of explore and you can make your hike as long or as short as you wish. I am glad I finally found King’s Cross.
