This last glaciation, 12,000 years ago, created a 30-mile long Lake Nashua, river deltas of tributaries, and drumlins, kettle holes, and eskers along the shore. Indigenous peoples began to move in when the ice retreated. The rich soil and sculpted landscape created many relatively isolated environments that fostered a profusion of plant and wildlife. The area called Petapawag (“swampy place”) became their hunting and fishing grounds.

Four hundred years ago, early colonists of America claimed the land, founded Groton, set up trading posts, mined, farmed, and built roads, homes, and mills. One hundred and fifty years ago, industries were built along the upstream river along with railroads to supply them with materials. The Nashua River wildlife was decimated by the resulting pollution until resident Marion Stoddart decided to organize a movement to clean it up. Now, 60 years later, the Nashua River is clean and getting cleaner and what we see now is probably much as it looked before the colonists arrived.

We will hike along the river and adjoining conservation parcels and will see drumlins, a sand dune, a soapstone quarry, and a former U.S. Olympic Trials equestrian venue, while enjoying the peace and beauty of the surrounding forests.

This hike will pass through the Shepley Hills Conseration Area, J. Harry Rich State Forest, the Longley Estates Conservation Areas, and the Cronin Conservation Area. This hike of about 6 miles will take about three hours and includes some moderate hills. Children are welcome. Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.

DATE: Saturday, May 10th
Rain Date: Sunday, May 11th (If more than one or two-tenths of an inch are predicted during the hike on Saturday).

TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

LOCATION: Multiple Groton Conservation Properties, Sand Hill Road, Groton, MA 01450

PARKING: Public parking lot where Sand Hill Road crosses the Nashua River Rail Trail east of Common Street.

ACCESSIBILITY: This hike is not recommended for people with mobility limitations.

This program is offered by the Groton Trails Committee as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!