Norwottuck Rail Trail

Parking areas for access to the trail are located in Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable.

Ayer Center parking lot 
Located at 3 Groton St., Ayer, MA. For more information, visit: Ayer Commuter Parking .

Groton Center parking (Court Street 10-15 spaces)
Located at 31 Court St., Groton, MA. Take I-495 north or south to exit 31, then Rte. Route 119 west approximately seven miles to Groton Center. Take left at Station Avenue to the on-street parking area beside the trail.

Groton Sand Hill Road parking (10-15 gravel spaces)
Located at 92 Sand Hill Rd., Groton, MA. Take I-495 north or south to exit 31, then Rte. Route 119 west approximately ten miles. Take a right on Nod Road and right on Sand Hill Road. Follow Sand Hill Road to parking area on the right after crossing rail trail.

Pepperell Square parking (20 gravel spaces)
Located at 142 Main St., Pepperell, MA. Take US-3 north or south to exit 90, then Route 113 west approximately eight miles. Take right onto Groton Street, then take left onto Main Street. Parking is on the left.

Dunstable state line parking (10 gravel spaces)V Located at 690 Hollis St., Dunstable, MA. Take Rte. Route 3 to exit 35, then Rte. Route 113 west beyond Dunstable Center. Take right on Hollis Street to New Hampshire state line. Parking is on the left

Getting There by MBTA 

Take the MBTA commuter rail Fitchburg Line to Ayer Station. Purchase tickets at the station or on the MBTA website. Bicycles are allowed on most trains. For more information about schedules and bike access, visit: Ayer Commuter Rail.

• Cross-country skiing
• Horseback riding
• Running and walking
• Fishing

• Restrooms located at Ayer Center parking lot
• Portable restroom located at Broadmeadow Road, Groton parking lot (seasonal)
• Scenic viewing area
• Bicycle repair stations along the trail

• Accessible biking

• No alcohol
• No littering
• No hunting
• No fires
• No camping

The west end of the Norwottuck Rail Trail connects with the Northampton Bikeway and the Manhan Rail Trail to Easthampton. 

The bike path also passes through Connecticut River Greenway State Park on Damon Road in Northampton.

Trail etiquette

• Be courteous of other path users.
• Keep right unless passing.
• Stop at all stop signs.
• Trail is open dawn to dusk. If you have appropriate lights, ride at your on risk.
• Give a clear and audible signal before passing and pass only when it's safe to.
• Travel at a reasonable speed.
• Wear protective headgear. This is required by law for children 16 years and younger, but recommended for all.
• Respect private property next to the trail.
• Carry in, carry out all trash and belongings.
• All path users should yield to pedestrians.
• Class 1 e-bikes, pedal-assist electric bikes that reach 20 mph, are permitted on the trail.
• E-bikes require a white headlight and red taillight visible from at least 500 feet if riding past dusk.
• Travel at a 15-mph speed limit.

Nearby Parks

• J. Harry Rich State Forest
• Pepperell Conservation Land
• Dunstable, Pepperell, and Groton trail networks