Going hiking is a great way to soak in the sunlight and fresh air while getting in some exercise. Hiking also makes it easier to practice mindfulness by immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural environment.
There's little doubt the northeast is one of the country's most scenic areas to hike in. There are a few excellent hiking trails in and around the small town of Lunenburg to take your family and friends for a weekend of fun outdoors. The team at North End Mazda has put together this list of eight trails in the area to check out for your next hike.
Twin Cities Rail Trail
Provided By Twin Cities Rail
Hikers desiring a longer hike with a paved path and beautiful scenery can enjoy the Twin Cities Rail Trail, which connects the nearby city of Leominster and the Monoosnoc Brook Greenway with downtown Fitchburg and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's commuter rail. The 4.5-mile urbanized trail provides a 12-foot-wide path for hikers to share with bikers and other foot traffic.
Mileposts are visible along the entire length of the trail. It runs through a variety of parks and playgrounds, in addition to local businesses and the Fitchburg Municipal Airport. It's also parallel to the scenic Nashua River, which draws in countless fishermen due to the plentiful largemouth bass population. Trees line the trail, and it briefly passes over a small babbling brook via a small pedestrian bridge.
Many more hiking trails have scenic views in and around the Lunenburg area. Is there a favorite hiking spot you like to go to regularly that we missed? Let us know by contacting us online, and we'll be sure to add it to our list. In the meantime, feel free to peruse our inventory of new Mazdas or stop by to see what's in our showroom and talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales professionals. We also offer a full-service department to handle all your maintenance needs, from oil changes to tire rotations.
Henry Cowdrey Trail
Forest by Kim Siever is licensed with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
Located near Lunenburg, the 1.7-mile pet-friendly Henry Cowdrey Trail is perfect if you're looking for a quick and easy hike with your dogs. The looping trail's proximity to a brook also makes it an excellent trek for bird and animal lovers. Take in the sights and sounds of nature as you make your way around the trail and check out the wooded conservation area, perfect for pets to roam off-leash. There are several small trails to choose from, including one that offers a beautiful view of the swamp below. The trail's bridges also make for great photo opportunities.
Lane Conservation Area and Town Forest Loop
Or, if you're looking for a longer hike, the Lane Conservation Area and Town Forest Loop offers 4.2 miles of trail to explore. In the winter, it's also a popular cross-country skiing route. Ideal for hikers and mountain bikers alike, the loop is perfect if you want a relatively quiet hike where you can explore. It crosses over a babbling stream and provides the ideal opportunity to bird-watch or simply sit with your thoughts while listening to the relaxing sounds of nature. More adventurous hikers can also check out the smaller trails located off the main one, which each contain different terrain.
Clark's Hill
The city of Lunenburg has many smaller hiking spots ideal for families. One such spot is Clark's Hill, which includes a half-mile of public hiking trails dotted with benches for resting or picnicking. The 17-acre property is also popular with bikers and joggers. There's limited parking, but access to the trails is available through a strip of forested land east of 201 Lancaster Road. The stone wall surrounding the hilltop lot contains an opening that provides entry into Clark's Hill.
Robb's Hill
The Robb's Hill Conservation Property offers 131 acres of forested land to enjoy. The 1.9-mile hiking trail takes hikers through an array of terrain, and it's popular among trail runners, in addition to mountain bikers and skiers. It's also pet-friendly, and some areas of the trail allow your dogs to roam off-leash. Take in the unique geological formations as you make your way through the easy-to-follow path, or check out the smaller trails to shorten or lengthen your route. To avoid the muddier sections, consider wearing boots on the trail or pack extra shoes to bring with you.
Peabody Conservation Area
Owned by the North County Land Trust, the Peabody Conservation Area features three short, multi-use hiking trails to explore, along with specific areas for hunting, fishing, and passive recreation. The Mulpus Brook Trail offers a family-friendly hike with a moderate elevation increase. For a slightly longer hike, the Tenderness Trail provides a steep climb. Or, if you are looking for a more moderate climb, try the Stonebridge Loop, the longest trail the park offers. Each path is well-marked and includes a beautiful view of the surrounding wooded area.
Bayberry Hill Loop Trail
Located in the nearby Leominster State Forest, the Bayberry Hill Loop Trail covers 2.6 miles, taking hikers through the woods past a reservoir and 1,068 feet up to the summit of Bayberry Hill. The trail then loops back down to the beginning of the hike. The terrain varies throughout the path, from rocky and rough to flat and grassy. It also passes by a few small cliffs, which make a perfect habitat for local porcupines and other animals. Limited roadside parking is available, and Leominster's Watershed Area prohibits pets on the trail.
Granite Street Loop
Also located in Leominster State Forest is the Granite Street Loop Trail, which provides hikers with a scenic view of the forest and covers a variety of terrain. The hike is a little over half a mile long and provides a level, easy walking path, making it an ideal option for more inexperienced hikers. It passes through pine and hardwood trees with an understory that includes thickets of native mountain laurel, a unique shrub with gorgeous flowers.
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