Day Trip: Bike along the Nashua River Rail Trail

Grab your bikes and bikes racks and head to Ayer or Groton.  Park your car (in one of the suggested parking lots below) and explore the great outdoors along this 11 mile bike trail that connects Ayer, MA to Nashua, NH.  The trail is also open to walking, dogwalking (leash) rollerblading and horseback riding. The trail is a former railroad right of way that travels 11 miles through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable. The 10-foot wide paved surface is ideal for cyclists.

Pack a picnic and stop in this lovely meadow in Groton, along the way.

Stop in Pepperell for this fabulous food truck or a scoop of ice cream from Charlotte’s Cozy Kitchen & Rail Trail Ice Cream, just steps from the rail trail.

View the trail map online

Parking areas for access to the trail are located in Ayer, Groton, and Dunstable.

Ayer Center parking lot

Closed for construction.  For more information visit  https://www.ayer.ma.us/commuter-parking

Groton Center parking (Court Street 10-15 spaces)

Take I-495 north or south to exit 31, then Rte. 119 west approximately seven miles to Groton Center. Take left at Station Ave. to the on-street parking area beside the trail.

Groton Sand Hill Road parking (10-15 gravel spaces)

Take I-495 north or south to exit 31, then Rte. 119 west approximately ten miles. Take a right on Nod Road and right on Sand Hill Road. Follow Sand Hill Road to parking area on the right after crossing rail trail.

Dunstable state line parking (10 gravel spaces)

Take Rte. 3 to Exit 35, then Rte. 113 west beyond Dunstable Center. Take right on Hollis Street to New Hampshire state line. Parking is on the left.

Enjoy!!