The Nashua River Rail Trail
For any outdoor enthusiast or parent with small kids in tow, the Rail Trail bike path offers both serenity and safety. This paved path runs 12.3 miles from Nashua, NH to Ayer, MA, passing through Dunstable, Pepperell, and Groton, MA. It was completed in 2002 and runs along the former Hollis branch line of the Boston & Maine railroad. The trail crosses a handful of roads (with ample warning for the crossings) and passes right through part of "downtown" Pepperell where one can pause for ice cream and other treats.
I recently took a ride on this trail, embarking from Nashua and making it just past Pepperell before turning back to complete a 1 hour ride. I had my 2 year old, Sophie, on board, who's pretty limited in the patience department, but it went surprisingly well. Maybe the abundance of fall foliage and chipmunk sitings helped. If you're looking for biking territory that doesn't involve getting your elbow grazed by passing traffic or huffing your way through exhaust clouds, this is it.
You can truly customize your workout; given the relatively level terrain you'll only sweat proportionately to how hard you pedal. There's a variety of traffic-spandexed cyclists, runners, casual bikers, dog walkers, stroller pushers-so you never feel too isolated as you pass through forested areas and neighborhood backdrops. For the parent just introducing their kid to riding their own bike, this offers the kind of traffic free environment you'd want for those early excursions.
The official NH trail head is at the Hollis Depot, just off of Rte. 111 (turn on Old Runnells Bridge Rd., Right on Gilson Rd.) or you can park off of 111A, about ½ mile southeast of where it branches off from 111, where you'll see some parking on the right where the Rail Trail crosses 111A at that point. Enjoy!
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