nashua river rail trail

Beautiful all year and well maintained. Biking, walking, running, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

This rail trail runs from Ayer, MA to Hollis, NH - about 12 miles long. We parked in Ayer where there is a large parking lot for the trail and port-a pottys. The path is flat and bucolic, and in the fall you can enjoy the beautiful foliage and water views. The only town along the trail is Peppered where you can find ice cream or something else to eat in a small, not-very-good cafe.

Just riding a bike or walking this trail so quiet and you can enjoy the wildlife also. It's not a hilly trail to very easy to walk or ride about 11-12 miles long. Can stop off in Pepperell have breakfast or lunch at a reasonable price.

The people who live in the towns that the rail trail go through are quite proud of this 13 mile scenic way. It is very beautiful. The Nashua River Rail Trail is a former railroad right of way that travels through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable then into Hollis NH. The trail offers a 10-foot wide paved surface for the entire length, and a five-foot wide gravel equestrian path for seven miles of the trail from Groton Center to the New Hampshire border in Dunstable. The entire trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, joggers, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers in the winter. The Nashua River Rail Trail travels along a varied landscape, offers numerous scenic overlooks, opportunities to see wildlife and has several resting stops. The trail is particularly attractive during fall foliage season. The Ayer trailhead offers access to commuter rail service between Boston and Fitchburg. Parking areas for access to the trail are located in Ayer Center, Groton, Pepperell Center, Dunstable, and Hollis on Rt 111A Pepperell is almost in the middle of the route. There are park benches to sit and rest or stop at the ice cream stand across the street. There are two little restaurants there too. One end, Ayer has shops to stop at too. There are many places to have picnics by the Nashua River or by several of the ponds along the way. I do believe it is safe. I live close to the route and have not heard of any problems. But people have seen black bears occasionally. The trail is busy and well used and loved by the locals. Go have fun.

An 11 mile paved trail that takes you from the border of NH off Rt 111A in Nashua to Ayer MA. The trail is quiet and tranquil weaving through the woods. There are houses along the route but for the most part they are away from the trail. We bike on the trail and it is lovely. You do not have to worry about cars hitting you. You can relax and enjoy the ride. You will see people out walking, running, pushing baby carriages and walking their dogs. Everyone seems to be really friendly. There are several parking areas along the 11 mile trail so you can jump on it in Nashua, Pepperell, Groton or Ayer. In Pepperell and Ayer you are close to downtown and can stop to enjoy an ice cream or beverage.

The Rail Trail is a great place for a walk, a bike ride or some cross-country skiing, and there are a number of geocaches along it. It runs close to downtown Pepperell, Groton and Ayer, so you can stop for a snack along the way. It's very clean and well-maintained. It can be busy on weekends, and some of the bikers go pretty fast, although everyone is good about sharing the trail.

This has to be the most well maintained trail I have ever seen. Wide, plant growth is kept back from the trail, lumps and bumps are minimal, and it runs from Nashua to I think Ayer. SO many beautiful things to see, and everyone I have encountered on the trail is polite. Bikers and walkers share the trail without any issues. There is ample free parking at a couple locations, best I have found are in Pepperell- park and jump right on the trail. Great way to spend an afternoon.