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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Massachusetts
Middlesex County
Groton

Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Massachusetts
Middlesex County
Groton

Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton

Easy

3.0

(2)

27

riders

Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton

01:45

29.6km

100m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

696 m

Knowles Siding Conservation Area

Highlight • Forest

This stretch of conservation land abuts the Nashua River Rail Trail. You're free to explore the land if you want to hop off your bike, but it's kept in such …

Tip by

2

3.73 km

Nashua River Rail Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

There is a nice, new, and large parking lot at the Ayer end. It crosses a few busy roads, so be aware of this if you bring young kids.

Tip by

3

8.01 km

Pepperell Covered Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Classic New England.

Tip by

4

9.26 km

Nashua River Rail Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Nashua River Rail Trail is a paved trail that was constructed on an old railbed. It is completely traffic free, so it is a great place for a relaxed walk.

Tip by

5

14.5 km

Nashua River Rail Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Nashua River Rail Trail is a paved trail that was constructed on an old railbed. It is completely traffic free, so it is a great place to do training runs.

Tip by

6

15.1 km

Nashua River Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

From here all the way south to Ayer, this 12.5 miles trail follows the course of the Nashua River through J. Harry State Forest. Calm and tree-dimmed light make the way a real treat.

Tip by

7

16.4 km

Nashua River Rail Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Nashua river rail trail is a paved green way over an old rail way where one can have a pleasant bicycle ride while enjoying the quiet surroundings.

Tip by

B

29.6 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

28.1 km

599 m

466 m

420 m

Surfaces

22.0 km

6.99 km

599 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Friday 10 July

30°C

21°C

64 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a genuinely relaxing touring cycling experience that delivers scenic beauty without breaking a sweat, the Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton is an excellent choice. This easy 18.4-mile (29.6 km) route, with a mere 339 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, can be comfortably completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it perfect for a leisurely outing or a family ride.

What to expect on Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton

Expect a smooth journey on predominantly asphalt surfaces, ideal for touring bikes. The route winds through a delightful mix of landscapes, from shaded deciduous forests to open agricultural fields and alongside wetlands. Keep an eye out for wildlife like herons and swans near Groton School Pond, and if you visit in autumn, the fall foliage is particularly vibrant. This trail is genuinely easy, making it suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities, including families looking for a peaceful ride.

Planning your visit

Parking is readily available at various access points, including Groton. You'll find restrooms at the Ayer Center parking lot and a seasonal portable one at Broadmeadow Road in Groton. If you need a break, Groton Center offers refreshment options, as does an ice-cream stand in Pepperell. For those coming from Boston, the Ayer trailhead is conveniently located near an MBTA commuter rail station, and bicycles are generally permitted on these trains. The fall season is particularly recommended for its stunning foliage.

Trail details

  • Distance: 18.4 miles (29.6 km)
  • Elevation gain: 339 feet (103 metres)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 45 minutes

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5.0

142

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

02:06h

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100m

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