Things to Do in Pepperell, MA - Take a Hike, a bike or a horse and check out the Nashua River Rail Trail. The Pepperell stop is located right across the street from my office, Integrity Residential Brokerage. Many people enjoy this wonderful recreational area, so I thought I'd share some trail history and information.
The Nashua River Rail Trail is an abandoned rail bed once known as the "Hollis Branch". The trail was paved between 2001 and 2002 and officially opened in October of 2002. The trail has a 10' wide paved surface for the entire length, and a 5' wide gravel path for equestrians. The trail runs from Ayer, MA to the New Hampshire border. The entire trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers. The 5' wide gravel path for equestrians runs from Pepperell through Groton.
The landscape along the Nashua River Rail Trail is varied and offers many scenic overlooks and rest stops. You'll pass lovely ponds and marshes between Ayer and Groton. If you're an equestrian, take a detour through the J. Harry Rich Forest which has beautiful trails. Just before you enter Pepperell, you'll come alongside the Nashua River for beautiful water views for approximately 1 mile. If you take a rest stop in Pepperell, you might want to stop at Charlotte's Cozy Kitchen for an ice cream or a sandwich. While you're at it, stop by my office and say "hello". From downtown Pepperell, you can continue north across Groton Street, past the Boy Scout Parcel and into New Hampshire.
While on the trail, if you see equestrians, please make sure to give a clear voice warning before passing them. As an owner of a horse who uses this trail, we often don't hear bikes or people as they come up from behind and we greatly appreciate the "heads up" so that we don't end up startled and possibly hurt.
If you are an equestrian and would like information on the easiest places to park a trailer, send me an email.
If you wish, download a PDF copy of Mass Highway's map of the Massachusetts section of the trail.
If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you! We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.
Catherine Condon, Broker MA & NH
I can't wait for it to dry up a bit here locally to get out and do some biking. Sounds like a nice trail.
We're very lucky to have some beautiful trails in the area. Some towns are starting to offer trail maps of conservation areas on their website. It's nice to download a .pdf when you want to explore a new trail. Won't guarantee you won't get turned around but always a bonus!
It is difficult to use the dirt trails this early in the season which is another reason why the Nashua River Rail Trail is great - it's paved! Just pick a nice weather day and off you go.
Enjoy the warm days to come in Gettysburg ~ happy cycling.