North of Boston/Merrimack Valley has great biking trails

Assabet River Rail Trail

Hudson, Marlborough, MA Phone: 978-562-2989

Trail Length: 5.6 miles

The Assabet River Rail Trail flanks the scenic Assabet River for 5.6 miles (with plans to expand to 12 miles in the future) through the towns of Hudson and Marlborough. This 12-foot wide, paved trail is great for bicyclists who want a forested, scenic ride, with minimal traffic crossings. The trail crosses over the river several times, at one point over an historical, wrought iron railroad bridge. Cyclists can pick up the trail in Hudson along Route 62, where a restored 1921 blue caboose marks the trailhead parking area. Other trail parking areas are: 157 Washington Street at Rite Aid Pharmacy in Hudson; 417 Main Street in Hudson; 40 Hudson Street in Marlborough. Trail Map

Lowell Heritage State Park

160 Pawtucket Blvd Lowell, MA Phone: 978-369-6312

Lowell boasts a remarkable network of 19th-century canals created to provide power to the bustling textile mills that operated along the water's edge. Today the buildings remain and continue to evoke the sense of a great industrial city. Visitors can participate in activities, including canal rides, and explore exhibits about Lowell's role in America's industrial history presented in conjunction with the Lowell National Historical Park. A Victorian garden in the heart of the downtown area, and over two miles of landscaped esplanade, summer concerts, and swimming and boating in the Merrimack River are additional attractions at this popular park. The swim area is managed by the City of Lowell from July to August.
The Rourke Brothers State Boat Ramp, Route 113 (Pawtucket Blvd.) is open seasonally to the public to provide boating access to the Merrimack River. The boat ramp (managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation) is composed of 42 trailer lots, 2 HP trailer lots, 18 car top lots, and 2 HP car top lots. There is no fee to use the use the ramp or to park. The entrance to the boat ramp is directly across from Tyco Electronics, Inc. located at 1011 Pawtucket Blvd. and is one-half mile west of the Rourke Bridge.
Recreational opportunities: Accessible Restrooms bicycling paths, boating, boat ramp, canoeing, fishing, hiking, historic site, scenic viewing area, swimming, visitor's center, walking trails.

Nashua River Rail Trail

Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable
, MA Phone: 978-597-8802

Total length: 11 Miles

In 1848, the Worcester & Nashua Railroad opened for business with over 46 miles of track between Worcester and Nashua, New Hampshire. In 1982 the route was shut down for good, and it would be 20 more years until the Mass Highway Department completed what today is the Nashua River Rail Trail, built on the railroad’s former path, stretching 11 miles through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable. The trail offers a 10-foot wide paved surface for the entire length, and is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers. The trail is popular for it’s scenic overlooks, impressive foliage in the fall, and for its access to commuter rail service between Boston and Fitchburg. Trail Map

The Bruce Freeman Trail

Lowell, Chelmsford, and Westford, MA Phone: 617-347-541

Total Length: 6.8 miles

The first phase of this proposed 25-mile rail trail is a 6.8 mile stretch connecting the towns of Lowell, Chelmsford, and Westford. When finished, the rest of the trail will link Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Sudbury, and Framingham -- following the 25-mile route of the old New Haven Railroad Framingham & Lowell line. Trail Map

The Minuteman Bikeway

Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, Cambridge, MA Phone: 617-542-2453

Total Length: 10.13 miles

The Minuteman Bikeway passes through the historic area where the American Revolution began in April 1775. Built by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on an inactive railroad, the trail is often used by local residents as a convenient, eco-friendly way for commuters to reach train stations. The path is 12 feet wide, plowed in the winter time, and includes lots of stops for refreshments and/or restrooms at Depot Park in Bedford, the Lexington Visitor’s Center, Alewife Station, and nearby business districts along the bikeway. Trail access in Bedford is available at the intersection of South Road and Loomis Street (exit 31B from I-95); at Lexington Center and Arlington Center, and at the Alewife T-Station. Trail Map

Willowdale State Forest

Linebrook Road Ipswich, MA Phone: 508-887-5931

Willowdale offers trail-use opportunities on 40 miles of trails and fishing and boating on 100-acre Hood Pond. There are no developed recreational facilities at the forest, which is two separate parcels divided by Route 1. The eastern block of the Forest abuts Bradley Palmer State Park and the Ipswich River.
Recreational opportunities: hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting (west side of Route 1), mountain biking, skiing (cross-country), walking trails.