I decided to hike Cheshire to the Peck's Brook Loop and then Gould to the summit, returning via Cheshire (this probably won't be the only time I deviate from the suggested trails; as a solo hiker, I find it best to be on the most frequently traveled trails, just in case).  Importantly (and thankfully, for a three-plus hour trip), the rest areas on the Mass Pike were open.  There is a small (and free) parking lot at the Cheshire trailhead that fits about twelve vehicles.  I grabbed one of the last spots at 9:30 AM , but when I returned there were additional cars parked on the roadside leading to the trail, with no apparent repercussions (though I can't state that as a fact, only an observation).

The trails were in excellent condition overall and probably the most well-marked trails I've hiked since the Grand Canyon (where the markers are a rock wall on one side and a cliff on the other), though it was surprisingly wet on the trail for the last .4 mile.  I decided to do Pike's Brook Loop on the way up instead of down, because (1) I like to do the steeper work going uphill, and (2) I wanted to still end up in the right parking lot if I couldn't find the Loop entrance.  It was a fun diversion going down to the brook (2nd photo) and up the other side  I did apparently, and sadly,  miss a waterfall off Gould slightly higher up.  It was an incredible view from the peak, and from talking with others who had been there before, not as crowded as it often is (due to people being able to drive to the top).  The descent via Cheshire was relaxing and the view from the shore of the pond was an added bonus.