Amanda’s Way
Half-mile of trails. Amanda’s Way connects with Skinner Forest. The other path is a very steep out-and-back trail that follows the spine of a large esker down to Whitney Pond itself.
Wharton Plantation
Large parcel with diverse terrain includes eskers, a heron rookery, and kettle ponds. Boombox and Sledgehammer trails are ideal for technical mountain biking. Connects to Gamlin Crystal Springs and Mason Back 100. Look for eskers, kettle ponds, a heron rookery, and old farm walls on the North Loop. On the Baddacook side, look for eskers,…
Skinner Forest Area
Skinner Forest Conservation area is a very nice hiking area with several miles of trails. Trail difficulty is generally easy with some moderately difficult hills. Trail conditions are good, though they are rocky as this used to be a logging area.
Nipmuc Meadows
Formerly known as the Shattuck Homestead, this parcel has been dedicated and renamed “Nipmuc Meadows” in honor of the Nipmuc people who were the earliest settlers in Groton. Level trails cross a meadow over to woods where you will find the shore of Baddacook Pond, which teems with wildlife and is an important turtle habitat.
Rocky Hill Audubon Sanctuary
Five miles of rocky trails over undulating terrain as well as a couple of large hills. Provides exceptional views of wetlands, granite outcroppings, and wildlife. Look for a heron rookery. Note: No bikes, horses, or dogs allowed. Connects to Robin Hill Rd. near Shaw’s Supermarket and to Blackman Field and Woodsand Nate Nutting Rd.
Red Line
Easy 1 mile walk. This former railroad bed is level and runs alongside eskers and wetlands. From this trail you can connect to the Esker Trail of the east parcel of Gamlin Crystal Springs. The Red Line Path extends from Island Pond Road (entrance to The Cronin-Massapoag Conservation Land) to the Cow Pond Road end.
Groton Town Forest
Over 16 miles of trails, many passing by kettle holes. Property has something for everyone: mounting biking, cross country, skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and the annual Groton town forest trail race. Connections to Ames Meadows and Sabine Woods and Groton Place. Whether you want to go for a stroll on a welcoming day or tear…
Gamlin Crystal Springs Area
Large property with 5 trails. Trails on the East side follow a large esker with multiple ponds. The West Gamlin trails pass by ponds, erratics, and remnants of an old quarry. A favorite for mountain biking. Connections to Red Line, Mason Back 100 and Wharton. Look for a great esker trail on the east side…
Duck Pond
Half-mile flat trail connects with Skinner Forest and Groton Woods and provides nice views of the kettle pond.
Casella Preserve
The Casella trail system connects Nashua Road with the G-D High School. Trailheads at each end have parking. Two trail loops traverse atop adjacent eskers that overlook wetlands richly populated with birds and other wildlife. Reedy Meadow
Blackman Woods and Field
One-mile, easy walk with beautiful views of fields and wetlands, teaming with wildlife. Look for Paul Matisse’s Forest Bells: 6 aluminum bells, in the shape of organ chimes that hang from the limbs of oak trees. They ring quietly when someone pulls down on an attached rope.