Nashua River Rail Trail:
Massachusetts
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Description:
The Nashua River Rail Trail is a beautiful, peaceful, rural trail extending through the Massachusetts communities of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable on into Nashua, New Hampshire. In autumn it provides a spectacular platform for viewing the colorful changing leaves. Over the 7 miles between Groton Center and Dunstable, a 5-foot-wide gravel equestrian path parallels the trail.
The 12.3-mile trail begins in downtown Ayer, across from the commuter rail station, where parking and restrooms are available. Leading north through residential Ayer, the route soon follows a rural, tree-lined corridor. Two miles into your journey, you'll reach Groton School Pond. Pause here at charming granite seating areas to watch for wildlife, particularly the industrious beavers that have built their lodge on the pond.
At the trail midpoint, you'll reach a small parking lot at Nod Road. Beyond, the trail skirts J. Harry Rich State Forest and the Nashua River, the latter visible to the west en route to New Hampshire.
A small retail and restaurant district hails your arrival in Pepperell. On a hot summer day, stop for an ice cream before continuing north to Dunstable, where you'll cross the border into New Hampshire.
The trail continues a short way into Nashua, ending at a large trailhead parking lot. Residential development on the corridor has severed the connection between the Nashua River Rail Trail and the 1.3-mile Nashua Heritage Rail Trail, which stretches east to Nashua City Hall. To reach the western trailhead from the parking lot, go straight on Countryside Drive and turn right on State Route 111/West Hollis Street. Turn left at the light on Riverside Street and follow it to the Nashua High School South playing fields. A trail here leads through Mine Falls Park to the park exit at Whipple Road. Follow Whipple to Simon Street, turn right, and continue to Will Street, where you'll turn left. The trailhead lies halfway down this street on the right.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Ayer trailhead, take Interstate 495 to Exit 29 and head west on State Route 2 to Exit 38B for State Route 111 north. From the rotary, continue on 111 north through Ayer Center and the downtown shopping district till you see the trail from the road (still 111 north). For trailhead parking, take the first right past the trail, followed by another right into the lot.
To reach the Nashua, New Hampshire, trailhead, take US Hwy. 3 north to Exit 5W toward State Route 111A west toward Pepperell, Massachusetts. Follow it to Route 111 west. Turn left onto Countryside Drive. Follow it to the end to reach the trailhead. Trail parking is across the street in the parking lot.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Nice Easy Trail!
By KristyAnn11203 on June 09, 2010
Though sometimes it seemed crowded, this trail was a very pleasant way to spend a day riding. My husband and I were visiting the area and wanted to do some cycling. He purchased his first recumbent bike and was still a novice at riding it. In his words, "It was the straightest, most level road in New England!" We started at the trail head and rode the entire length and back. The scenery was magnificent and it was nice to ride somewhere that autos weren't allowed.

I'm looking forward to return trips!
Nashua River Rail Trail
By DavidFitz on September 21, 2009
I rode the entire lenght of the NRRT today. It was a wonderful ride on a beautiful day. When the budget permits, the mile markers on the road need to be re-painted (and larger please). They are unreadable.

Thank you for providing such a wonderful resource.

David Fitzpatrick
Sterling, MA
early bird gets the worm
By erika0310 on May 24, 2009
no problem parking in the ayer, ma lot when I arrived at 6:30 a.m.! beautiful trail, am heading back tomorrow - this will be a regular stop in my cycling rountine.
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Ayer, MA to Nashua, NH
Counties: Middlesex
Trail Length: 12.3 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015966

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