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J. Harry Rich State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 80 Google reviews · Running trail in Groton, Massachusetts · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of J. Harry Rich State Forest yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking trails run along the Nashua River at this park with picnic tables.
What runners say about J. Harry Rich State Forest
“Beautiful accessible trail along the Nashua River, including benches, as well as miles of other trails along the river and through the woods.”
“A very calm and quit place to take a walk with beautiful view of Nashua river.”
“Beautiful scenery and easy walking.”
My kids and I were able to access this forest from the Nashua Rail Trail in Pepperell Massachusetts. It added to our walk as well as Pepperell Pond and the Nashua River.
Nice hiking, and there's birds in the area. It's flat for the most part, too
It goes to say that obviously there's some snow out there but if you're trying to wear out your dog it's great place to go because it kind of keeps them in a line along the power lines type of route.
Such a wonderful set of trails, and one entrance is handicap accessible with an accessible picnic table at the end. Great views, very serene. Nice place for a walk. Lots of horse poop on the trails, though; be careful.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful accessible trail along the Nashua River, including benches, as well as miles of other trails along the river and through the woods.”
“It's also dog friendly and you could get away with taking your bikes down the trails.”
“Beautiful accessible trail along the Nashua River, including benches, as well as miles of other trails along the river and through the woods.”
Plan your run at J. Harry Rich State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Running trails near Groton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
John Tinker Accessible Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
Flat walking area featuring stone benches, picnic tables and wooded trails.
Marion Stoddart Conservation Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 7 reviews
Shirley Street Conservation Area
4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews
Groton Trails Committee
3 ★★★☆☆ 2 reviews
Nashua River Rail Trail - Pepperell Square
4.8 ★★★★★ 258 reviews
Shaded, flat, maintained paved trail following a river that's suitable for bikes and pedestrians.
