Quiz: What trail is eleven miles long, nearly flat, and perfect for pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers alike? Hint: It passes through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable (all in Massachusetts). Answer: You guessed it, the Nashua River Rail Trail. (Okay, maybe having the answer as the article title made that a bit too obvious.)
In the late 1800s and early 1900s many railroads were constructed to connect cities around Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The Nashua River Rail Trail was once the Hollis branch of the Boston and Maine Corporation railroad. Probably due to the rise in automobiles, many of these plans were abandoned, and many of the lines that were completed stopped running. The Hollis branch saw its last run in 1982 and was purchased by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in 1987. Mass Highway worked to convert the track to a 10-foot wide paved surface that officially opened as the Nashua River Rail Trail on October 25, 2002.
This trail is really perfect for a leisurely ride or stroll because it is incredibly flat due to the requirements of the trains that formerly passed through. No motor vehicles are allowed, thus the atmosphere is generally quiet or bubbling with casual conversations. Because the trail is wide, those looking to ride quickly can do so without endangering other travelers. From Dunstable to the Groton Center there is an additional five-foot-wide gravel equestrian path.
The official access points to the trail are Ayer Center, Groton Center, Groton Sand Hill Road, and Dunstable (which is right on the border of Hollis, New Hampshire). It can feel quite accomplishing to travel it end to end, and you can reward yourself by stopping for some ice cream in Pepperell. The trail offers many scenic overlooks and rest stops. The foliage season is around the corner, and this is a particularly wonderful time to appreciate the landscape that the Rail Trail has to offer. This trail is great for groups of family or friends but equally satisfying for any individual. For a pleasant afternoon outdoors, the Nashua River Rail Trail is the perfect solution.
