If you are looking for a place to enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife of the Nashua River, then visit NCT’s Nashua River Trail property. Flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows and hawks soar over the adjacent fields and riverfront. Common Mergansers seek out the flat quiet water to hunt for fish and Wood Ducks are scattered throughout the oxbow areas foraging for aquatic insects. There are two benches on the trail; one looks over the wetland and the other over the river.

Land Protection History

The Hopkins family donated 4.3 acres off Shirley St to NCT in 2002 and a further section of the railroad bed extending along the Nashua River was acquired in 2004. NCT actively pursued the acquisition of the railroad property from the B&M Railroad and secured the property in 2004 thanks to major support from the Bruce Anderson Foundation.

Trail Description

The Nashua River Trail is a short hike over a railroad bed and into a small field adjacent to Wilkins Farm. The trail begins off Shirley Street and follows the railroad bed along the main stem of the Nashua River. The trail continues along the bed following the river and enters a shrubby area adjacent to agricultural fields. Grassland and shrubland birds can be found along this riparian-field habitat. The trail ends shortly before the Wilkins farm building.

Trail Mileage

From the parking area to the end point near the Wilkins farm building is .5 miles.

Directions

From Pepperell Town Hall, go south on Elm Street to intersection with Route 119. Follow 119 west and take the first left onto Shirley Street. Follow Shirley Street for .3 mile and pull into dirt parking area on the left. The GPS coordinates for the parking area are: Latitude 42.62975; Longitude -71.608318