Trail Use Guidelines

Do’s and Don’ts

  • Please respect private property.
  • Hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding, nature study, and other low-impact activities are permitted throughout the trails network, except in MassAudubon’s Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, where dogs, horses, and mountain bikes are prohibited. There are also a few specific trail sections where horseback riding is prohibited for safety reasons.
  • When parking areas are limited, please park so that you are not blocking private driveways or other cars. Leave room for others to park.
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails.
  • e-Bikes are permitted on paved (asphalt, concrete, or crushed rock) trails and bike paths (like rail trails). In addition, e-bikes are allowed on natural surface trails unless posted by a property owner such as The Groton Town Forest and DCR.  However, the Trails Committee is considering, in conjunction with landowners, the posting of “e-bikes prohibited” signs on individual trails for which e-bikes pose significant risks to the trail itself, to e-bike riders, or to other users of the trail.  Given the evolving nature of e-bike regulations, it’s a best practice to double-check with property owners before you ride your e-bike on trails.
  • Hunting rules vary by individual property. See Hunting in Groton for more information. Click here for information on hunting on Groton Conservation Trust properties. For Massachusetts hunting regulations/seasons visit mass.gov/hunting-regulations
  • We recommend you wear “hunter orange” shirts/jackets/vests, particularly during deer hunting seasons on properties that permit hunting.
  • Please refrain from littering or dumping. All properties are “carry in – carry out”.
  • Fires are not allowed without a permit from the landowner.
  • Camping is not allowed without a permit from the landowner.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any trail.
  • Do not feed, approach, or touch wildlife, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
  • Take personal protection measures to reduce your exposure to ticks and mosquito bites
  • Groton has a leash law. All dogs must be leashed on all public properties unless they are trained, or are being trained, for hunting. It is unacceptable for dogs to be allowed to chase other animals (wild or domestic) or jump on, or otherwise scare, people. Fines can be levied for non-compliance with the Town’s regulations.
  • Please pick up after your dog and properly dispose of the waste that is left on the trails.
  • Smoking is not allowed on the trails due to the inherent risk of starting a forest fire.

Safety

  • Most trails have cell reception. It is a good idea to have location “on” when using the trail system for emergency calls or accessing our trail map.
  • Bring plenty of water for hot days and/or long hikes.
  • When on-street parking, make sure your car is well off the road.  
  • Swimming in the river at any location can be dangerous due to submerged branches, slippery rocks, and strong undercurrents.

Tick Prevention

When out on the trails, always prioritize tick awareness and prevention:

  • Be Vigilant: Ticks are present year-round in wooded and grassy areas.
  • Stay on Trails: Stick to the center of marked paths to minimize contact with vegetation.
  • Dress Smart: Wear long pants (tucked into socks/boots) and long sleeves, preferably in light colors.
  • Use Repellent: Apply EPA-approved insect repellent such as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) to exposed skin. Consider treating clothing and gear with permethrin for added protection.
  • Check Thoroughly: Perform full-body tick checks during and immediately after your hike, run, bike, or ride. Pay close attention to warm, hidden areas: behind the knees, groin, armpits, scalp, behind the ears, and inside the belly button. If possible, have someone check your back. Check all gear and any pets that accompanied you.
  • Shower & Dry: Shower within two hours of returning and tumble dry clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.

For more information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention

Trail etiquette

Yield Appropriately:

  • Hikers, Bikers and Runners yield to horses. On all single track or double track trails, give right of way by stepping off the trail to allow a horse to pass and don’t do anything to startle the horse.  Follow any instructions offered by the equestrian.
  • On single-track trails, neither Bikers, Hikers, nor Runners have the right-of-way.  Courtesy must prevail.   Since Bikers can’t detour safely around Hikers or Runners in most places, it is most efficient if Hikers and Runners step off the trail to let Bikers go by. Bikers should announce their intention to pass from behind and must slow down to a safe speed.
  • On double-track trails and dirt roads, Bikers, Hikers, and Runners need to be courteous when passing or being passed. If Bikers are going in the same direction as Hikers or Runners, they should announce themselves as they approach, slow down, and stay to the left in a single file.  Hikers/Runners being passed by Bikers from behind need to stay to the right in a single file.  If Bikers are coming towards Hikers/Runners, the Bikers need to slow down and stay to the right in a single file.  The Hikers/Runners also need to stay to the right in a single file.
  • Uphill traffic generally has the right-of-way. This allows those climbing to maintain momentum.  But there may be situations where a downhill Biker or Runner should be given the right-of-way by Bikers or Runners going uphill for safety reasons.  As always, courtesy and good judgment should be the norm.

Announce Your Presence:

  • Announce Your Presence and Pass on the Left:  When approaching other trail users from behind, do not assume “right of way.” Slow down, and politely announce “On your left!” or “Passing on your left!” to avoid startling them.

Links to Land Owners: