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Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Shepley Hill
30.3km
01:31
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 1, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Groton, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many quiet country roads and rail trails, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it — you want the good stuff, not endless guesswork.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed hundreds of routes here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best road cycling Groton has to offer. This guide cuts through the noise, promising to save your legs for the rides that truly deliver. Expect a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers, featuring gentle drumlins and a mix of flat rail trails alongside more varied country roads. It's a region defined by its extensive conservation lands and scenic routes along the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers, offering everything from easy spins to more challenging rides with moderate elevation changes.
If you only do one ride, make it the popular Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Shepley Hill. At 18.8 miles (30.3 km), it’s an easy, well-maintained rail trail that’s perfect for getting a feel for the area. For a slightly shorter, equally beloved option, the Nashua River Rail Trail – Groton School Pond loop from Groton is a fantastic moderate 27.6 miles (44.5 km) ride that local cyclists rave about. With over 500 road cyclists having explored Groton with komoot and an average rating of 4.9 stars, you can trust these routes are worth clipping in for.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Shepley Hill | 30.3 km | 100 m | Easy |
| Mill Pond – Concord Monument Square loop from Shepley Hill | 87.5 km | 510 m | Moderate |
| Nashua River Rail Trail – Groton School Pond loop from Groton | 44.5 km | 340 m | Moderate |
| Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Trailhead loop from Groton | 55.0 km | 380 m | Moderate |
| Wharton Plantation – Shattuck Homestead loop from Groton | 24.3 km | 150 m | Moderate |
| Nashua River Rail Trail – Squannacook River Mill and Dam loop from Groton | 52.0 km | 480 m | Moderate |
| Pepperell Covered Bridge – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Shepley Hill | 111 km | 1,240 m | Hard |
| Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton | 46.1 km | 320 m | Moderate |
| Shattuck Homestead – Wharton Plantation loop from Surrenden Farms | 26.7 km | 190 m | Moderate |
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30.3km
01:31
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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87.5km
03:40
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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44.5km
02:03
340m
340m
The Nashua River Rail Trail – Groton School Pond loop from Groton offers a diverse road cycling experience, blending the smooth, paved rail trail with the varied terrain of local roads. You'll pedal through shaded deciduous forests, past open agricultural fields, and alongside wetlands, with the picturesque Groton School Pond providing a peaceful spot to enjoy views of both forest and farmland, often with aquatic wildlife. This moderate 27.6-mile (44.5 km) route, with its 1100 feet (335 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a half-day ride.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking available at various points in Groton. If you're coming by public transport, the Ayer trailhead is accessible via the MBTA commuter rail, which generally accommodates bikes. The route is particularly scenic in the fall when the deciduous forests burst with spectacular autumn foliage, but it's a pleasant ride throughout the warmer months. Remember to bring water, especially on sunny days.
This loop offers more than just a ride; it's a journey through New England's natural beauty and history. The Nashua River Rail Trail itself is built on the former Hollis Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, with remnants of its past visible along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife like turtles, birds, beavers, and herons, especially near the river and wetlands, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your cycling adventure.
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55.0km
02:36
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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24.3km
01:13
150m
150m
The Wharton Plantation – Shattuck Homestead loop from Groton offers a moderate road cycling experience that truly immerses you in the region's natural beauty. You'll pedal through extensive conservation lands, including Groton Woods, with its pine and oak forests, and discover unique geological features like eskers and kettle ponds within the Wharton Plantation itself. This 15.1-mile (24.3 km) route, with 482 feet (147 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes, but be ready for some unpaved sections that add a challenging twist to the ride.
Planning your visit to this Groton MA road cycling route means preparing for varied terrain; while much is paved, some segments can be difficult for a standard road bike. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned, but checking local conditions, especially after rain, is always a good idea. Consider starting your ride earlier in the day to enjoy the tranquility and avoid potential afternoon heat, especially during summer months.
This loop connects two significant historical and natural sites: the Shattuck Homestead and the Wharton Plantation, the latter donated by conservationist William P. Wharton. The area's landscape is a fascinating product of glacial activity, evident in its eskers and kettle ponds. It also links to other local networks like Gamlin Crystal Springs, providing options for longer rides if you're keen to explore more of Groton's scenic routes.
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52.0km
02:25
480m
480m
If you're looking for a road cycling adventure that combines smooth pavement with a touch of local road exploration, the Nashua River Rail Trail – Squannacook River Mill and Dam loop from Groton is a solid choice. This moderate 32.3-mile (52.0 km) route, with 1577 feet (481 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 24 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy diverse scenery, from the wetlands and woods along the Nashua River to glimpses of historic Townsend Harbor, making it a varied and engaging ride.
The route starts on the paved Nashua River Rail Trail, known for its gentle grades and scenic beauty, passing by Pepperell Pond and offering chances to spot wildlife. However, be prepared for transitions to local roads and potentially packed gravel sections if you explore the Squannacook River Rail Trail, which might require wider tires than a typical road bike. Parking is available in Groton, and the trail is enjoyable across multiple seasons, especially in spring, summer, and autumn.
This loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context, showcasing the area's industrial heritage along the Squannacook River. You'll cycle past sites like the Cooperage and the Grist Mill, connecting you to the region's past. It's a great option for cyclists who appreciate a longer ride with changing terrain and a mix of natural and historical points of interest.
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111km
05:22
1,240m
1,240m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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46.1km
02:13
320m
320m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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26.7km
01:21
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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A quit river with some great views
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Classic New England covered bridge, restored and still in use. Small park on the east side, multiple good routes from the bridge west through Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
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Paved route through the woods, although best taken at a slow speed to both enjoy the scenery, and accommodate runners, joggers, walkers, and small kids just learning to ride. Save the road racing for out on the roads.
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The Nashua River Rail Trail is a paved trail that was constructed on an old railbed. It is completely traffic free, so it is a great place for a relaxed walk.
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This is the northern terminus of the Nashua River Trail. It runs from this point all the way to Ayer, Massachusetts. The trail passes through J. Harry State Forest and is tree lined for a majority of its trajectory.
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There are only a handful of covered bridges in the state. This is the furthest east one
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One of the older trails in the state but a great one. Some lovely views of the river at various points
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Groton offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, from well-maintained rail trails to quiet country roads. You'll find paths that traverse extensive conservation lands, including the Groton Woods, and routes that follow the scenic Nashua and Squannacook Rivers. The terrain includes a mix of flat sections and gently rolling hills, providing options for various skill levels.
The road cycling terrain in Groton is characterized by a mix of flat rail trails and gently rolling hills, shaped by glacial activity. You can find routes ranging from easy, flat paths suitable for beginners, to more challenging routes with moderate elevation changes. Out of over 100 available routes, 35 are considered easy, 66 moderate, and 8 are more difficult.
Yes, Groton's landscape, shaped by glaciers, offers several points of interest. You can cycle along the Nashua River Rail Trail, enjoy views of the Groton School Pond, or even pass by the historic Pepperell Covered Bridge. The region also features drumlins offering scenic vistas, and the tranquil Nashua and Squannacook Rivers.
The road cycling routes in Groton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained rail trails, the peaceful country roads, and the scenic beauty of the conservation lands and river paths.
Absolutely. Routes like the Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton are easy and provide a smooth, scenic ride along the Nashua River, making them suitable for families. The extensive network of rail trails offers safe and enjoyable options for cyclists of all ages.
Yes, many road cycling routes in Groton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Nashua River Rail Trail – Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Shepley Hill is a popular circular route, as is the shorter Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton.
Road cycling in Groton is enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring brings fresh greenery, while summer offers warm weather for longer rides. Fall is particularly scenic with vibrant foliage, and the cooler temperatures can be ideal. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, for any cycling needs, you can find facilities like CK Bikes, a friendly bike shop, which can be a convenient stop for repairs or supplies while exploring the Groton area.
The road cycling routes around Groton vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, easy loops like the Nashua River Rail Trail loop from Groton, which is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km). Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Mill Pond – Concord Monument Square loop from Shepley Hill, can extend to over 54 miles (87.5 km).
While Groton is known for its accessible rail trails and moderate routes, there are options for advanced cyclists seeking more challenging rides. Routes like the Mill Pond – Concord Monument Square loop from Shepley Hill offer longer distances and more significant elevation changes, providing a good workout through varied country roads.
Groton's extensive conservation lands, including the Groton Woods, and its tranquil waterways like the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers, provide habitats for various wildlife. While cycling, you might encounter local bird species, small mammals, and other native fauna, especially in the quieter, more natural sections of the routes.
While specific cafes or pubs directly on every route are not detailed, Groton and its surrounding towns offer various establishments where cyclists can refuel. Many routes pass through or near town centers where you can find options for refreshments and meals.


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