Groton Town Forest – November 22, 2020

Plaque at the trailhead

Since I paddled on Friday, I decided to join Papa Joe and the crew for a hike at Groton Town Forest on Sunday.

The Groton (Memorial) Town Forest was established in 1922 to honor the veterans who gave their lives in World War I. Originally 180 acres, the forest has expanded to 513 acres over the years through purchases and donations of abutting properties. It is a nicely maintained property with 14 miles of marked trails (6.4 mile Town Forest Loop, and the 3.4 and 9.5 mile Town Forest Race Loops) and numerous unmarked trails.

Getting the group organized

We met at 9:00 at the trailhead at the end of Town Forest Road. It was a little cooler than I expected as we waited for the crew to gather, but nice once we started to hike. I’m not exactly sure the route that we took since Joe didn’t provide a map, but we went west to the railroad tracks, then south along the railroad tracks and Squannacook River to the Nashua River, and then back along the Nashua and Dead Rivers to the trailhead.

We decided that the Nashua River through Groton looked like a nice place to paddle. I’ve done the section north of here from Groton to Pepperell. We have also done the Oxbows south of here, and the section in Lancaster that includes the convergence of the North and South Branches. Another trip to add to the list.

Along the railroad tracks and Squannacook River

Links:

My Pictures

Groton Town Forest Map