Find the top rated fishing trails in Gardner, whether you're looking for an easy short fishing trail or a long fishing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a fishing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The claim of this being a 61 mile trail is very deceptive. Almost 40 miles of this trail is nearly unrideable except for mountain bikes (and even that would be unpleasant). We are experience riders and were on hybrid bikes with wide tires and front suspension. And while our plan was to cycle 40 miles from Willimantic to E. Hampton, we only did the first 10 mile section from Willimantic to James L. Goodwin State Forest.
The trail started out as just OK, but deteriorated in less than 2 miles. After crossing S. Brook Rd, the trail the trail was extremely gnarly and super overgrown. When we reached Goodwin State Forest, we were so happy to bail out and call it quits! Luckily, we had a SAG vehicle with us so we weren't forced to cycle back over the same awful trail.
Be warned, the entire trail we rode from Willimantic to Goodwin Forest was large, loose gravel, and the scenery is incredibly boring. There are places where the trail is extremely rough. At S. Brook Rd. the trail becomes unrideable, expect by maybe some die-hard mountain bikers. We used our SAG van to pop into other points along the trail from Goodwin to E. Hampton the trail only seemed to get even worse.
Honestly, just a really unpleasant ride.
My husband I decided to ride this trail on our visit to Boston. We parked at 31 McKenn Street in Waltham and rode in towards Boston, then crossed the river to ride back on the other side. First, I'll start with the positives. It has areas with nice shade and the views along the river are neat. Now for the negatives. The trail boasts it is all asphalt. It is not. There were many spots with packed dirt surface. Even though I don't like riding on anything but asphalt or concrete, this at least was pretty smooth and level. NOT compared to the badly maintained asphalt and concrete. The vegetation needed to be trimmed, the path was NOT marked at all (luckily my husband had a map on his phone), many sections were very narrow, not wide enough to have two bikes pass and the asphalt had many cracks that I had to be careful to watch for. Sorry but whoever has the contract to maintain this trail is falling down on the job. Boston is such a neat city so I won't let this trail color our experience as totally bad, but you couldn't pay me to ride this trail again.
rode 7-30-25 parked at Symmes Dr in bus depot lot - no directions for where to park. Mile markers are facing the trail, instead of perpendicular , so they can't be easily read while riding - missed a few along the way. Also signage at entrance areas should include direction and milage to either end. Thought we could hook up to the Derry trail, but that didn't happen - couldn't find it - again, signs would help !
Rode on 7-26-25 Needs mile markers at Windham end. Slight incline from Salem to Windham. The Windham trail is paved, but turns to dirt when you reach the Salem trail. Turned around and rode back to Windham.
the Windham trail is paved, but turns to dirt when you reach the Salem trail.
Turned around and rode back to Windham.
rode trail july 28, 25 from Winchendon - slight uphill, going south to Gardner. Adding mile markers would be nice ! and directions at N.Ashburnham Rd to Old Gardner Rd. Newly paved from entrance off
Old Gardner Rd to Gardner town line. Path to avoid watery underpass was paved on one side of street.
It is a great trail for all seasons. Parking available in Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Nashua
It is a very well maintained trail. My favorite part is between the heart pond and the NARA park. More road crossing beyond that region in both directions
I live in Massachusetts about 25 minutes from this trail, my absolute favorite trail is the East Bay bike path, but that is about an hour drive for me, so this is one I frequent more often. I like the length of this ride, and that it is scenic, and more interesting than some of the rail trails that can be kind of boring. I think it is an easy ride, with just a few spots I need to lower my gears. I pack a lunch, snacks, and can be out for a few hours. There is ample parking, 195 Davison Ave Woonsocket is the address I use for WAZE. I have never gone as far as Providence, so I can only review Woonsocket - Lincoln.
It’s my go to trail because it’s so close to my house ! you can walk down close to the river it’s cute . i always get to see ducks in the pond
Wife & I completed the Minuteman Trail & I wanted to do either the Narrow Gauge Trail or the Reformatory Trail. Wife headed for the Bedford library while I set off for the Narrow Gauge Trail. Trail was in good shape & I was prepared for the surface conditions associated with crushed stone. What caused me confusion was a lack of trail markings. I rode for about 20 minutes or so & eventually came to a gate, which was in the open position. I wasn't sure if this was the end of the trail (and still unsure at this point). I looked for signs, etc & saw none. The trail appeared to continue, but it's condition was much less pristine i.e. large ruts and valleys. I rode for what seemed like another mile until I came to a paved road & straight ahead was a paved road with a "Private Road" sign. I exited here & took surface streets back into Bedford. I am giving the trail a 2 star rating; better signage would increase my evaluation.
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