==
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Nashua River Rail Trail
Nashua
River Rail Trail
Organization names:
In Nashua:
City of Nashua
In Massachusetts:
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
Introduction:
The Nashua River Rail Trail is a 17 mile trail that passes through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable, Massachusetts and ends about a mile inside New Hampshire in Nashua, NH. The Nashua River Rail Trail follows the Nashua River along the former site of Worcester & Nashua Railroad.
The Nashua River Rail Trail has many natural attractions with scenic overlooks and wildlife. The trail passes through wetlands, ponds and swamps where a variety of animals such as beavers and herons can be seen.
The Nashua River Rail Trail is supported with many businesses including bike shops, bike rental services, bed & breakfasts and shuttle services.
Directions:
To reach the Ayer trailhead, take Interstate 495 to Exit 29 and head west on State Route 2 to Exit 38B for State Route 111 north. From the rotary, continue on 111 north through Ayer Center and the downtown shopping district till you see the trail from the road (still 111 north). For trailhead parking, take the first right past the trail, followed by another right into the lot.
To reach the Nashua,
New Hampshire, trailhead, take US Hwy. 3 north to Exit 5W toward State Route
111A west toward Pepperell, Massachusetts.
Trail maps: (overview)
.... 
Nashua River Rail Trail from Nashua NH to Ayer MA
Updates:
July 2009: (Initial BWA-NH posting) 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).
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. At the Nashua trailhead, free parking is available at Yudicky park.
Web sites:
City of Nashua
NH:
http://www.nashuanh.gov/ArtsandLeisure/Cycling/tabid/534/Default.aspx
Massachusetts Dept.
of Parks and Recreation:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm
Contacts:
In New Hampshire:
City of Nashua
Department of Parks and Recreation
Greeley Park
100 Concord St.
Nashua, NH 03064
603-589-3370
In Massachusetts:
Department of Conservation and Recreation
978-597-8802
mass.parks@state.ma.us