As the temperatures rise, we’re all itching to get outside. Luckily, in the Merrimack Valley area, there are so many great outdoor activities and adventures to take on, such as the many scenic walking paths found throughout the area.
Explore The Merrimack Valley On Foot
Want to get outside? Let’s start simple–why not just go for a walk? After months inside on the treadmill or bundled up outside, carefully avoiding ice, we’re sure ready for the fresh, warm spring air. And while walking around your neighborhood is great, here are a few more spots to explore.
1. Nashua River Rail Trail
The Nashua River Rail Trail is an 11-mile rail-trail consisting of mostly straight paved paths. The trail passes through Ayer, Groton, and Dunstable. This is an accessible walk for those who wish to get outside without too much challenge.
2. Willard Brook State Park
The Willard Brook State Park, near Townsend, MA, contains over 2,500 acres of nature to explore. Walkers and hikers can take on the Friends Trail Loop, a 4-mile trail that connects Willard Brook to Pearl Hill State Park. According to mass.gov, visitors should plan at least 3-hours to complete the loop.
3. Pearl Hill State Park
Pearl Hill State Park, also in Townsend, MA, is a 1,000-acre park perfect for exploring, biking, and swimming. The Friends Trail Loop is a 4-mile trail connecting to Willard Brook State Park. As mentioned above, hikers should plan at least 3-hours to walk the trail.
4. Walden Pond State Reservation
The Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, MA, allows visitors to explore the same natural areas that inspired Henry David Thoreau’s writings. Hikers and walkers can find quiet strolls along the pond or through the various trails marked on-site.
5. Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
At the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, walkers can enjoy 6 miles of trails across 1,140 acres. The trails are spread out through the three towns mentioned in its name, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at the Merrimack Valley’s natural areas.
6. Lowell Heritage State Park
The Lowell Heritage State Park features a 2-mile stretch of waterfront perfect for walking adventures. Here, visitors can also walk paved and non-paved walkways through the park, exploring the grounds and visiting a few historical exhibits featuring Lowell’s industrial history.
7. The DIY Lowell History Trail – Lowell National Historical Park
The DIY Lowell History Trail works as both a brisk walk and a self-guided tour of historical Lowell. The clearly marked trail takes walkers from the Boott Cotton Mills Museum to the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center. In addition to exploring various historic sites, the DIY Lowell History trail is also close to some of Lowell’s best attractions, restaurants, and shopping.
8. The Minute Man National Historical Park
While we’re on the subject of historical walks, be sure to visit the Minute Man National Historical Park in Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln, MA. Here, visitors can get their daily steps while touring the many historic homes and landmarks, including visiting the Old North Bridge and hiking the Battle Road Trail. The park stands as a nationally-designated area dedicated to the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which many consider the start of the Revolutionary War.
