Nashua Heritage Rail Trail, NH

• 3-star trail
• 1 miles each way
• Easy | Low gradient
• Nashua, NH | Merrimack Region
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The image shows a person riding a bicycle on a paved path through a wooded area. The path is covered with fallen leaves, indicating it might be autumn. The trees on either side of the path are dense, with some showing bare branches and others still retaining their foliage.

Tree-lined trail at the west end.

An urban rail trail suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists, the Nashua Heritage Rail Trail cuts an east-west route across the south side of town. Connecting neighborhoods along a non-motorized route, the trail links Nashua City Hall, Mine Falls Park and lots of local amenities. We found the trail to be popular with local recreational trail users as well as folks using it to get about town.

The trail was once part of the Worcester & Nashua Railroad that went into service in 1845 and connected the city's other lines with central Massachusetts. Though the rails on this route were abandoned in the 1940s this section of the route survives as a public park, as does the twelve mile length of rail trail further south of the city known as the Nashua River Rail Trail.

green icon

Asphalt,

Bike Lane,

No Access, ⬤ Parking Expand ↓ Map

3★ Nashua Heritage Rail Trail 1.3 miles each way, easy, no gradient
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Though Nashua's urban trail might lack some natural features close to town, community gardens and colorful painted murals successfully brighten up the route. Heading west along the paved trail away from town, the buildings become increasingly residential and the last stretches of trail are lined with pleasant grass verges and trees. Some graffiti seems to persist in this neighborhood, but the majority of the trail is clean and well-kept.

The 300-acre Mine Falls Park connects to the rail trail via a short cycle path and offers miles of trails in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by trees, canal and a meandering stretch of the Nashua River.

The image is a composite of two photographs. On the left, there is a circular sign with the text “NASHUA HERITAGE RAIL TRAIL” around the perimeter. The sign features various symbols, including a train, gears, and foliage in red, white, blue, and green colors against a silver background. On the right side is a photograph of an urban trail with pedestrian markings, leading towards buildings with vibrant murals.

Nashua's authorized and unauthorized street art.

There are several parking options close to the Nashua Heritage Rail Trail which we've marked on our map, including some at the nearby sports facilities. Closest opportunities to park a vehicle are on the residential streets that abut the trail, but please be respectful of residents when doing so.

Plans are in place to extend the trail further east. The Nashua Heritage Rail Trail East project is to construct a ten-foot wide paved multi-use trail along the former rail line from Main Street to the Denton Street intersection. The project includes safe ADA compliant crossings, lighting and restoration of the Commercial Street Bridge for pedestrian and bicycle use. Presently in the preliminary design phase, construction is currently scheduled for 2026/2027.

Trail Conditions:
Smooth asphalt and no discernable gradients. Many road crossings, but they're at least well-signed and not very busy.

The image shows a first-person view from behind the handlebars of a bicycle, with one arm visible, suggesting the photographer is riding the bike. The path ahead is paved and lined with bare trees and grass on either side, indicating it might be late fall or early spring. There’s another cyclist ahead on the path, wearing dark clothing. To the left side of the path, there’s graffiti on a wall which adds an urban feel to the setting.

Pleasant green verges along a residential section.

The image shows a wooden fence with six sunflower paintings. Each sunflower has a prominent brown center and bright yellow petals, painted directly onto the weathered wood panels. The background reveals a cloudy sky and the top of another wooden structure, adding a rustic charm to the scene.

Sunflowers brightening up this urban trail.

Tangents:
• Trailspotting on YouTube: Trail Video
• TrailLink: Nashua Rail Trail
• Public Map at AllTrails: Nashua Rail Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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