Trail description: Opened in 2002, the Nashua River Rail Trail runs 11 miles north from Ayer through Groton and Pepperell to Dunstable near the New Hampshire border. Access fee: No charge (2004) Towns along the trail: Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable, MA Web site:Mass Dept of Conservation and Recreation Trail map: Available on the trail's website Trail surface: Paved pathway plus a gravel equestrian path runs parallel along the north half Designated activities: Bicycling, walking, inline skating, horseback riding, xc skiing Facilities on the trail: Outhouse toilets at Ayer Points of interest: Several scenic viewpoints, spectacular fall foliage Lodging: Lowell area has hotels and other accommodations Camping: Bike shops: At Ayer and Pepperell Weather forecast:Ayer Tourism info:Greater Merrimack Valley VB Getting to the trail: There are parking lots in all four towns. The MBTA commuter train running between Boston and Fitchburg stops at Ayer. Bikes are permitted on board except during rush periods (ie: weekdays AM Boston-bound and PM outbound). Map of local region:Ayer | Dunstable
Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Few Date of last visit: July, 2005 Sections that I biked: Whole paved length. My favourite sections of the trail: Pond just North of Ayer. Very quiet & peaceful. Nice place to rest and ponder. Best time to go: Spring, Summer, & Fall. Cool days. Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: Good scenery - Paved, straight level grade (Great for road bike). Great for families with children. 11-Mile ride, no traffic; only a handfull of road crossings. What I disliked: Paved, Flat, & Straight (Not good for mountain bike. Tires on pavement transfer too much vibration to the seat. Ride the shoulder when you can.) A bit closed in at times (nature of a rail trail thru woods). Comments: Nice ride from Nashua, NH to Ayer, MA. No facilities, refreshments, or eats at Nashua end. Start in Nashua, have lunch in Ayer then head back.
Trail is shared with equestrians, roller bladers, & walkers/runners/hikers. Give them the right-of-way. Submitted by: R. Patnaude from: Merrimack, NH Date submitted: July 9, 2005
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Once Date of last visit: June, 2005 Sections that I biked: Hollis->Ayer->Hollis My favourite sections of the trail: The part which runs alongside the Nashua River. Best time to go: unknown Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: na What I liked: Scenery. I rode the trail in the mid-to-late afternoon, and there were very few other users about. What I disliked: Rather flat. Somewhat un-interesting, but very easy to cover the entire distance in about an hour. Comments: This was my first time on this particular trail - I did lots of riding back in the 80's and 90's and some of my rides intercrossed with this trail. I remember thinking at the time how nice it would be if it were made into a bike path. Submitted by: Wil Davis from: Nashua, NH Date submitted: June 10, 2005
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Several Date of last visit: Oct, 2004 Sections that I biked: We bike this trail a great deal. I find it is less crowded than the Minuteman in Lexington, making it much more relaxing and less traffic to get to. I enjoy this trail a great deal. In late fall however, it can be covered in wet leaves making it a little difficult to bicycle. But hopefully spring will be here soon and will be able to bring out the bicycle once again for this trail. My favourite sections of the trail: All of it Best time to go: Spring, summer & fall Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4 stars What I liked: I like the layout of the trail as well as the scenery. It's an easy ride. What I disliked: Nothing Comments: Little restuarant in Pepperell is good for breakfast or lunch. haven't seen anything at the NH end to grab a snack, maybe they should look into getting a Hot Dog vendor at that end as well as in Pepperell. Submitted by: NAD from: Marlborough, MA Date submitted: Feb 26, 2005
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Few Date of last visit: August, 2004 Sections that I biked: All My favourite sections of the trail: The whole trail is an excellent creation Best time to go: Fall Trail marking: Fair Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: sceneray is excellent. The whole family can enjoy the trail and spend an hour or the whole day; There are areas that one can stop and buy a snack and there are areas that seem as though you are miles from the nearest building What I disliked: The amount of people could be a problem, though on a late summer Sunday with perfect weather the amount of people was still easily handled Comments: Submitted by: dl from: Westford Massachusetts Date submitted: Aug 22, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Several Date of last visit: June, 2004 Sections that I biked: Dunstable to Ayer My favourite sections of the trail: Pepperell center through Groton Best time to go: Fall Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: Great pavement, flat terrain, variety of flora and fauna, scenic water ways. What I disliked: Nothing other than the mosquitos in the spring time. Comments: Great trail for all abilities. People along the trail are very friendly and courteous. Great scenery and wildlife along the trail. The trail is well maintained. Submitted by: DGH from: Nashua, NH Date submitted: July 1, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Weekly Date of last visit: June, 2004 Sections that I biked: I have inline skated from one end to the other doing the whole 11 miles and then back for a 22 mile round trip. I average 50 miles a week on this trail when the weather is good. My favourite sections of the trail: The section along the river is my favorite but there really isn't a bad spot on the whole trail. Leaving from NH there are several wetlands you pass that are very beautiful. There is also a beaver damn near the wildlife reserve near ayer. Best time to go: sping, summer, fall. Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: The pavement is outstanding for inline skating. Some sections seem faster than others maybe do a smoother finish or a very slight pitch in the trail. What I disliked: The only bad part is the street you cross before you get to pepperell center. They are working on it and it's a pain to cross in skates. Should be fixed some time soon though! Comments: On the weekends there is a hot dog vender in pepperell center as well as vending machines for power drinks. There is a ice cream stand across the main steet in pepperell center. The only other stop to get food is ayer and they have porta potties there as well. I like to wear a back pack and a holster for a drink, maybe bring some powerbars as well. When skating you need to watch for small stick and pebbels that may be laying on the trail but its not too much of a problem. I like to bring sneakers in my back pack so I can walk around when I get to the other end. The whole 22 mile trip on skates takes less than 3 hours with stops skating at a moderate pace. Shades are a good safety measure to keep a stay insect out of your eyes as on any trail. Lots of wildlife on this trail as well, snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, shrews, chipmonks... Can be crowded on holidays but not as bad as the minuteman bike trail. Submitted by: Chris S from: Nashua , NH Date submitted: June 26, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Weekly Date of last visit: June, 2004 Sections that I biked: I have inline skated the whole trail My favourite sections of the trail: I like the whole trail, but between Groton and ayer is a nice pond sanctuary Best time to go: When the trail is clean Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: Its fantastic plus at the Nashua end they are adding What I disliked: Debris, at certain seasons: sticks leaves Comments: Its a great trail Submitted by: Kevin Duggan from: Dracut Mass Date submitted: June 24, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Weekly Date of last visit: June, 2004 Sections that I biked: From Dunstable to Ayer and back. My favourite sections of the trail: Along the Nashua River. Best time to go: In Spring there are loads of flowers. In Autumn the foliage is lovely. Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: There are absolutely no hills and everyone you come across is friendly. There is hardly any graffiti or vandalism and the cities and towns the trail runs through is lovely. What I disliked: Because there are no hills, it is very easy to go to far in one direction and expend your energy before making it back! lol Comments: There is an icecream shop and soda machines on the trail. Wildlife and flowers abound this time of year! The chipmunks squirrels and red squirrels are abundant and daring, however. They like to dart closely in front of bikes, blades and even horses. I accidentally had to put a red squirrel to rest this afternoon because there was just no avoiding her. :o( Submitted by: Mirella from: Milford NH Date submitted: June 17, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Once Date of last visit: June, 2004 Sections that I biked: Did the entire trail My favourite sections of the trail: the end Best time to go: any time Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: Well maintained trial with nice scenery. The trial offers a geat place to start if you have not been on a bike for a while ( no hills) What I disliked: nothing in particular Comments: Submitted by: rm from: westborough Date submitted: June 13, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Once Date of last visit: May, 2004 Sections that I biked: From Ayer to the end. My favourite sections of the trail: I liked the river along side of the trail! Best time to go: Spring and Fall Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4 stars What I liked: We enjoted all of it! What I disliked: Comments: It was the first time we were on the trail,and we enjoyed the scenery, the wildlife, and we stoped next to the river and ate our lunch, It was a very enjoyable day! Submitted by: Judy and Ron from: Templeton ,MA. Date submitted: May 8, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Few Date of last visit: Apr, 2004 Sections that I biked: Pepperell to Hollis this year. Entire trail last fall. My favourite sections of the trail: It's all about the same - straight shot paved road where you can maintain a regular pace. Also there are many dirt cross roads to explore with the river alongside. Best time to go: spring and fall Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Fair Rating: 4 stars What I liked: If you're used to riding on sides of roads in traffic this trail or any paved rail trail is a relaxing change if you keep your ears open for traffic behind you. What I disliked: The piles of trash on the trail side in some areas and the kids crossing from intersecting unpaved trails on oil buring fume making motorbikes and scooters. Comments: There's a bike rental shop right next to the Pepperell gravel parking area. Submitted by: Jerry from: Tyngsboro, MA Date submitted: April 23, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Few Date of last visit: Oct, 2003 Sections that I biked: I bike the whole trail. My favourite sections of the trail: All of it is great! Best time to go: Fall and Sring Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: The trail is very interest with some great views of nature. What I disliked: Comments: I live in the Berkshire's and we have a beautiful rail trail from Lanesboro to Adams. I have also biked the trails in Northampton and The Cape and this trail rates high in my book!! Submitted by: Mark Bissaillon from: Cheshire Mass Date submitted: March 5, 2004
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Several Date of last visit: Oct, 2003 Sections that I biked: Starting in Nashua and usually going thru to the
State Park. Sometines all the way to Ayer and back. My favourite sections of the trail: The Beaver Pond area is nice. I enjoy all of the trail, especially the fact that it is level Best time to go: All times but fall is spectacular Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: The scenery is execlent and there are many offroad trails to explore What I disliked: very little the only thing is I stay on it to long and it gets dark fast on the trail. The darkness was alot worse before the trail was made into what it is today!!!! Comments: I totally enjoy this trail. I have seen this trail evolve from a rail bed to a very nice and safe place to bring the family. All stops along the trail have places to get nourishment. It would be nice to maybe see a bike stop store with seats. Submitted by: FXK from: Nashua NH Date submitted: Oct 25, 2003
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Once Date of last visit: July, 2003 Sections that I biked: I biked from Ayer to the end in NH My favourite sections of the trail: I especially enjoyed the sectons along the river, but most of the trail is flanked by woods. Best time to go: Trail marking: Fair Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4 stars What I liked: What I disliked: The mileage was not clearly marked, so I never knew how far I had come or in hwat town I was. Comments: The trail is totally level, flanked on all sides,most of the way by woods and/ or the river. People on the path are friendly. There are not many services along the way, except in Pepperell. Avoid the more modern looking restaurant, the "Cozy" something, near the ice cream stand. Submitted by: LJ from: Arlington, MA Date submitted: July 28, 2003
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Weekly Date of last visit: June, 1999 Sections that I biked: I biked the entire section lengh and returned. The trail is maked (on the trail) as being 12 miles long not 11 miles long. How long is the trail? My favourite sections of the trail: The Harry Rich State Forest section and the beaver pond area. Best time to go: Year round. Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4 stars What I liked: I liked the scenery and the tail is easy to ride since there are no significant hills for those who would find great trouble with hills. What I disliked: The trail should have been 2 to 3 feet wider. It will prove to be a slow fustrating ride in the future if many bicyclist regularily use the trail. The trail will end up being relatively slow because of difficulties in passing. There are pedal carriges already on the trail that are 4-plus feet wide and carry 4 people. This hardly qualified as a bicyle. Approximately 30 to 40% of the bicyclists using the tail do not practice appropriate bicycle etiquette when they pass or say nothing at all. Some of these bicyclists pass at excessively high speed without adequate warning or warning you at all. There is a real danger of someone getting seriously injured from a collision or from the fight that will ensue after the collision. Comments: The trail would have been great if they had just made it 2 to 3-feet wider. Submitted by: WFJ from: Dunstable, MA Date submitted: June 8, 2003
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Trail name: Nashua River Rail Trail Times biking the trail: Several Date of last visit: Sept, 2002 Sections that I biked: Rollarbladed entire trail. My favourite sections of the trail: Through the Groton conservation areas and the beaver dam. Best time to go: Any time of year is great, but fall foliage is wonderful. You might even catch some small wildlife in the evening hours (beavers, possum, giraffes... just kidding) Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: What I disliked: That is isn't longer. There are proposals to extend into NH, but not sure if this is committed. Comments: Submitted by: Chach from: Windham, NH Date submitted: April 24, 2003
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