The Nashua River Rail Trail is a great safe place to take kids biking, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. The 10-foot-wide paved trail—which mostly follows the lines of the river and passes through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable—is used by walkers, bicyclists, skaters, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.

The trail is built along the site of former railroad tracks, where trains, beginning in 1848, ran between Worcester and Nashua, New Hampshire. Starting in 1929, the tracks began to be dismantled; finally, in 1982, the last freight train ran on the line. In 2002, the rail trail was built. Along the route, you’ll see wetlands, ponds, woods, swamps, and farms as well as plenty of resting stops. Kids will enjoy exploring along the river.

Remember: Tell your kids not to be surprised to see horses on the trail. Yield the right of way to riders, and never pass horses without giving a voice warning. Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.

The Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge (Trip 43) has great hiking along the Nashua River. It’s about a ten-minute drive south of the rail trail in Ayer.

You can make a stop in any of the towns along the route for a snack. A café is in Groton and ice cream is available in Pepperell.