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: [5 trail ratings]
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Great!
By bonestorm in May, 2011
This was actually my first rail trail experience, but I have to admit that this one has set the bar really high! I loved everything about it. Fairly level terrain with tons of scenery (ponds/wetlands, farmland, horses, wildlife, etc). I'm sure it gets busy on weekends, but it wasn't too bad on the Friday morning I tried it. There's also ample free parking at the trail head in Nashua. This will by my trail of choice for a while, I'm sure!

Great Trail
By dsainato in April, 2011
I am very lucky to live 10 minutes from this trail. I biked this trail all last summer and have biked it 4 times this spring. I would suggest starting your ride in Hollis, NH. From Hollis to Peperell, Ma is mostly flat then from Peperll to Ayre there are some small inclines. This makes the return trip easy with some down hills. very beautiful scenery. On weekends this trail can get busy and some familys and groups do tend to forget that there are others that they need to share the road with.
Use the trail to get ready for the 50 mile MS Challenge walk on Cape Cod
By mberthia@comcast.net in April, 2011
Use the trail to get ready for the 50 mile MS Challenge walk on Cape Cod.
Looking forward to returning to the trail for this years training.
I will add new pictures over the spring / summer to those from last year.
To view pictures (2010/2011)go to:
http://photographybymichaelrene.ifp3.com/#/gallery/nashua-river-rail-trail/
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The trail has great views, a smooth surface, few road crossings and shallow grades. What more could you ask for?
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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Guidebook: Learn more about other New England rail-trails in RTC's New England Guidebook.
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