River North Region
This region includes these properties: Nashua River Rail Trail, J. Harry Rich State Forest, Farmers & Mechanics, Shepley Hill, Cronin/Longley I & II, Hazel Grove, Lawrence Woods, and Walnut Run.
Long Hike Idea:
Places and Trails in the Region
Nashua River Rail Trail
The Nashua River Rail Trail is perfect for family-friendly outdoor activities including bicycling, skating, running, and scenic casual walks. Like other trail trails, it has a level 2% grade, rising at the Pepperell (north) end. The section of the rail trail in Groton passes ponds, wetlands, drumlins, and various types of forested areas. The trail...Learn more
J Harry Rich State Forest
The J. Harry Rich State Forest is one of Groton’s largest open space parcels. It offers a network of mostly wide dirt roads and some single-track trails, stunning riverside views, and supports rich ecological diversity along the Nashua River. The forest includes broad old logging roads and narrower foot trails that wind through white pine...Learn more
Cronin/Longley I & II
Two miles of single-track trails connecting Longley I, Cronin, and Longley II CAs and Nashua River Rail Trail. Glacial river delta sand dune on Longley I is large and has steep trails to the top.Learn more
Hazel Grove Park
Best known as the location of the former Groton Fairgrounds but now called Hazel Grove Park. One mile total of all loops. Hazel Grove Park is an Equestrian Park that includes a ½-mile training track. Hazel Grove Park is home to both the Groton Riding and Driving Club that was founded in 1932 and the Groton Pony...Learn more
Shepley Hill
Shepley Hill, formerly an equestrian estate where horses destined for the Olympics once competed, has multiple loop trails traversing over and around a drumlin,. Outer loops are mostly level, and other trails go up and over the crest of the drumlin. This property can be accessed via the Nod Road parking for the Nashua River...Learn more
Farmers and Mechanics
This parcel sits along the Nashua River, and connects the old Groton Fairgrounds (now Hazel Grove Park) and the Taisey Conservation Restriction to the Noonan Woods and Gratuity Rd. Wooded parcel with riverbank trail, main trail, and a loop trail. All single track.Learn more
Lawrence Woods
This level trail along Rt 225 (roadside parking) connects the with Taisey area along the Nashua River. Cross Rt 225 to access Groton Place.Learn more
Walnut Run
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