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Coordinates: 42°39′00″N 71°34′36″W / 42.65000°N 71.57667°W / 42.65000; -71.57667
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{{Infobox hiking trail
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[[Image:Nashua River Rail Trail 1.JPG|right|thumbnail|The Nashua River Rail Trail at the [[Groton School]] Pond in [[Groton, MA]]]]
|name = Nashua River Rail Trail
⚫
|photo = Nashua River Rail Trail 1.JPG
⚫
|caption = The Nashua River Rail Trail at the [[Groton School]] Pond in [[Groton, MA]]
|location = [[Middlesex County, Massachusetts]]<br>[[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire]]
| designation = [[List of Massachusetts state parks|Massachusetts state park]]
|length_mi = 12.5
|trailheads = Park St. and Main St., Ayer, Massachusetts <br>({{coord|42.560083|-71.589646|format=dms}}) <br>Gilson Rd. at Country Side Dr., Nashua, New Hampshire ({{coord|42.715919|-71.531963|format=dms}})
|use = Bicycling, inline skating, walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing
|highest=
|lowest=
|difficulty=
|season=
|months=
|sights=
|hazards=
| maintainer = [[Department of Conservation and Recreation]]
| ROW = Former railroad line
| website = [https://www.mass.gov/locations/nashua-river-rail-trail Nashua River Rail Trail]
{{Location map+ |embed=yes
⚫
| Massachusetts
| relief = 1
| caption = Location of trailheads in New Hampshire and Massachusetts
| width = 280
| places =
{{Location map~ | Massachusetts
| label = Nashua
| position = top
| mark = Red pog.svg
| marksize = 4
| link =
| lat_deg = 42.715919
| lon_deg = -71.531963
}}
{{Location map~ | Massachusetts
| label = Ayer
| position = bottom
| mark = Blue pog.svg
| marksize = 4
| link =
| lat_deg = 42.560083
| lon_deg = -71.589646
}}
}}
}}


The '''Nashua River Rail Trail''' is a {{convert|12.5|mi|adj=on}} paved mixed-use [[rail trail]] in northern [[Massachusetts]] and southern [[New Hampshire]] under control of the [[Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation]] (DCR).
The '''Nashua River Rail Trail''' is a {{convert|12.5|mi|adj=on}} paved mixed-use [[rail trail]] in northern [[Massachusetts]] and southern [[New Hampshire]] under control of the [[Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation]] (DCR). It roughly follows the course of the [[Nashua River]], passing through the towns of [[Ayer, Massachusetts|Ayer]], [[Groton, Massachusetts|Groton]], [[Pepperell, Massachusetts|Pepperell]], and [[Dunstable, Massachusetts|Dunstable]], Massachusetts and ends about a mile across the [[New Hampshire]] state border in [[Nashua, New Hampshire]].<ref name=rails/> The trail is used by walkers, cyclists, inline skaters, equestrians, and cross-country skiers.<ref name=dcr/>

It roughly follows the course of the [[Nashua River]], passing through the towns of [[Ayer, Massachusetts|Ayer]], [[Groton, Massachusetts|Groton]], [[Pepperell, Massachusetts|Pepperell]], and [[Dunstable, Massachusetts|Dunstable]], Massachusetts and ends about a mile across the [[New Hampshire]] state border in [[Nashua, New Hampshire]]. The trail is frequently used by walkers, bicyclists, inline skaters, and, in the winter, cross-country skiers.


== History ==
== History ==
Ayer was a major junction for both north-south and east-west rail lines during the rapid development of railroad transportation. The Nashua River Rail Trail sits on the former Hollis branch of the [[Boston and Maine Railroad]]. The line was originally part of the Worcester & Nashua Railroad that connected [[Worcester, Massachusetts]] and [[Nashua, New Hampshire]], which was opened on [[July 3]], [[1848]]. The line was extended to [[Portland, Maine]] in [[1874]] and the Boston & Maine Railroad took over the line in [[1886]] and called it the Worcester, Nashua & Portland (WN&P) Division. Between [[1911]] and [[1912]], a second track was added from Worcester to Nashua. With the gradual decline of rail transportation, the line fell into disuse. Passenger service on the line ended in [[1934]], and the last freight train ran on the line in [[1982]]. Some concrete signal bases can still be seen, and railroad plates and ties can be found buried under the sand.
Ayer was a major junction for both north–south and east–west rail lines during the rapid development of railroad transportation. The Nashua River Rail Trail sits on the former [[Hollis, New Hampshire|Hollis]] branch of the [[Boston and Maine Railroad]], which follows an old [[Nashaway]] Indian trail.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}} The line was originally part of the [[Worcester & Nashua Railroad]] that connected [[Worcester, Massachusetts]] and [[Nashua, New Hampshire]], which was opened on July 3, 1848. The line was extended to [[Portland, Maine]] in 1874 and it became part of the [[Worcester, Nashua and Rochester Railroad]] connecting Worcester and points east to Canada's [[Grand Trunk Railroad]] via [[Portland, Maine]].
The Boston & Maine Railroad took over the line in 1886 and called it the Worcester, Nashua & Portland (WN&P) Division. Between 1911 and 1912, a second track was added from Worcester to Nashua.
Passenger service on the line ended in 1934. After World War II, with the gradual decline of rail transportation, the line fell into disuse, and the last freight train ran on the line in 1982. Some concrete signal bases can still be seen, and railroad plates and ties can be found buried under the sand.<ref name=olddcr/>


The DCR bought the Hollis Branch in [[1987]], and the trail was paved by Mass Highway between [[2001]] and [[2002]]. The official opening and dedication was on [[October 25]], [[2002]].
The DCR bought the Hollis Branch in 1987, and the trail was paved by Mass Highway between 2001 and 2002. The official opening and dedication was on October 25, 2002.<ref name=olddcr/>


== Features ==
== Features ==
[[Image:Ice Cream Shop, Railroad Square, East Pepperell, MA.jpg|thumb|right|Pepperell businesses along the Rail Trail]]


The Nashua River Rail Trail travels along a flat, scenic landscape with many opportunities to see wildlife. The trail passes through wetlands, ponds and swamps where a variety of animals such as beavers and herons can be seen, woodlands, and, toward the end of the trail, a few farms (cows can be seen on occasion).
The Nashua River Rail Trail travels along a flat and scenic landscape with many opportunities to see wildlife. The trail passes wetlands, ponds, woods, swamps, and farmland where a variety of wildlife can be viewed, such as beavers, herons and swans.


At the Ayer trailhead, which is close to the Ayer [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority#Commuter rail|commuter rail]] station offering access to rail service between [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] and [[Fitchburg, Massachusetts|Fitchburg]], there is a 60-space parking lot with non-flush public toilets. There are several other parking lots along the trail, which crosses many roads and bridges. Trail users can stop for refreshments in nearby Groton Center or at a restaurant and ice-cream stand in Pepperell. At the Nashua trailhead, free parking is available at Yudicky park.
At the Ayer trailhead, which is close to the [[Ayer (MBTA station)|Ayer]] [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority#Commuter rail|commuter rail]] station offering access to rail service between [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] and [[Fitchburg, Massachusetts|Fitchburg]], there is a 60-space parking lot with non-flush public toilets. There are several other parking lots along the trail, which crosses many roads and bridges. Trail users can stop for refreshments in nearby Groton Center or at a restaurant and ice-cream stand in Pepperell.
<!--
<gallery>
Image:Nashua River Rail Trail 2.JPG|Another view of the trail crossing Groton School Pond.
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Image:Nashua River Rail Trail 3.JPG|Another view of the trail.
</gallery>
-->
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== See also ==


Free parking is available in Pepperell where the trail crosses [[Massachusetts Route 113]] and at the Nashua trailhead at Yudicky Park.

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== See also ==
* [[List of rail trails]]
* [[List of rail trails]]


==References==
⚫
== External links ==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name=dcr>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/locations/nashua-river-rail-trail |title=Nashua River Rail Trail |publisher=Commonwealth of Massachusetts |access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name=olddcr>{{cite web |url=http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm |title=Nashua River Rail Trail |publisher=Department of Conservation and Recreation |access-date=March 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112034801/http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm |archive-date=January 12, 2006}}</ref>

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<ref name=rails>{{cite web |url=http://railstotrails.us/ma_nashua_river_rail_trail.htm |title=Nashua River Rail Trail |website=railstotrails.us |access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref>
}}

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==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[https://www.mass.gov/locations/nashua-river-rail-trail Nashua River Rail Trail], Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation
*[https://www.nashuanh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6595/BIKE_PATH Nashua River Rail Trail], City of Nashua
*[https://www.arrtinc.org/map/Index.cfm?project=Nashua Nashua River Rail Trail Map], Google Interactive Map

{{Protected Areas of Massachusetts}}


{{coord|42|39|00|N|71|34|36|W|type:landmark|display=title}}
* [http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm Massachusetts DCR page]
* [http://www.wikiwalki.com/courses/show/327 Trail shown on a Google Map]
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* [http://railstotrails.us/ma_nashua_river_rail_trail.htm Nashua River Rail Trail page at RailsToTrails.us]
* [http://www.town.pepperell.ma.us/downloads/Clerk/nashrivmap.pdf Geographical hiking map of Nashua River Rail Trail]


[[Category:Rail trails in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Rail trails in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Rail trails in New Hampshire]]
[[Category:Rail trails in New Hampshire]]
[[Category:Boston and Maine Railroad]]
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{{Massachusetts-stub}}
[[Category:Parks in Middlesex County, Massachusetts]]
{{NewHampshire-stub}}
[[Category:Nashua, New Hampshire]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 2002]]
[[Category:2002 establishments in Massachusetts]]

Latest revision as of 14:34, 5 August 2023

Nashua River Rail Trail
The Nashua River Rail Trail at the Groton School Pond in Groton, MA
Length12.5 mi (20.1 km)
LocationMiddlesex County, Massachusetts
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
DesignationMassachusetts state park
TrailheadsPark St. and Main St., Ayer, Massachusetts
(42°33′36″N 71°35′23″W / 42.560083°N 71.589646°W / 42.560083; -71.589646)
Gilson Rd. at Country Side Dr., Nashua, New Hampshire (42°42′57″N 71°31′55″W / 42.715919°N 71.531963°W / 42.715919; -71.531963)
UseBicycling, inline skating, walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing
Right of wayFormer railroad line
Maintained byDepartment of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteNashua River Rail Trail
Nashua River Rail Trail is located in Massachusetts
Nashua
Nashua
Ayer
Ayer
class=notpageimage|
Location of trailheads in New Hampshire and Massachusetts

The Nashua River Rail Trail is a 12.5-mile (20.1 km) paved mixed-use rail trail in northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire under control of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). It roughly follows the course of the Nashua River, passing through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable, Massachusetts and ends about a mile across the New Hampshire state border in Nashua, New Hampshire.[1] The trail is used by walkers, cyclists, inline skaters, equestrians, and cross-country skiers.[2]

History[edit]

Ayer was a major junction for both north–south and east–west rail lines during the rapid development of railroad transportation. The Nashua River Rail Trail sits on the former Hollis branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, which follows an old Nashaway Indian trail.[citation needed] The line was originally part of the Worcester & Nashua Railroad that connected Worcester, Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire, which was opened on July 3, 1848. The line was extended to Portland, Maine in 1874 and it became part of the Worcester, Nashua and Rochester Railroad connecting Worcester and points east to Canada's Grand Trunk Railroad via Portland, Maine.

The Boston & Maine Railroad took over the line in 1886 and called it the Worcester, Nashua & Portland (WN&P) Division. Between 1911 and 1912, a second track was added from Worcester to Nashua.

Passenger service on the line ended in 1934. After World War II, with the gradual decline of rail transportation, the line fell into disuse, and the last freight train ran on the line in 1982. Some concrete signal bases can still be seen, and railroad plates and ties can be found buried under the sand.[3]

The DCR bought the Hollis Branch in 1987, and the trail was paved by Mass Highway between 2001 and 2002. The official opening and dedication was on October 25, 2002.[3]

Features[edit]

Pepperell businesses along the Rail Trail

The Nashua River Rail Trail travels along a flat and scenic landscape with many opportunities to see wildlife. The trail passes wetlands, ponds, woods, swamps, and farmland where a variety of wildlife can be viewed, such as beavers, herons and swans.

At the Ayer trailhead, which is close to the Ayer commuter rail station offering access to rail service between Boston and Fitchburg, there is a 60-space parking lot with non-flush public toilets. There are several other parking lots along the trail, which crosses many roads and bridges. Trail users can stop for refreshments in nearby Groton Center or at a restaurant and ice-cream stand in Pepperell.

Free parking is available in Pepperell where the trail crosses Massachusetts Route 113 and at the Nashua trailhead at Yudicky Park.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Nashua River Rail Trail". railstotrails.us. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  2. ^ "Nashua River Rail Trail". Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Nashua River Rail Trail". Department of Conservation and Recreation. Archived from the original on January 12, 2006. Retrieved March 12, 2019.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nashua River Rail Trail.

42°39′00″N 71°34′36″W / 42.65000°N 71.57667°W / 42.65000; -71.57667

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