Several Sunday Hikes Plan To Visit Groton Quarries And Trails

The Groton Trails Committee and the Groton Historical Society are hosting separate Sunday hikes tomorrow, October 14. And the Trail Committee is following up with a second guided hike next Sunday, October 21.

The Trails Committee’s Shepley Hills guided trail hike begins at 10 a.m. sharp, and is led jointly by the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Groton Trails Committee. This conservation area is a great place to experience New England woods in fall splendor, featuring hardwood and pine forests, a soapstone quarry, eskers, hills to climb, and a pretty stream. This walk is about three miles and two hours long, and is suitable for families with hiking children. Dogs must be well behaved and leashed. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. The hike will be held unless it is very stormy. We will meet to start our hike where Nod Road and Sand Hill Road cross the Rail Trail in Groton (Coord. 42.6324N, 71.5758W). No pre-registration required. For information, contact Olin Lathrop at 978-742-9014 or [email protected].

The Historical Society’s event is Sunday but at 2:00 p.m. and is concentrating on exploring the Groton Soapstone Quarry. Archeologist Marty Dudeck will lead a walking tour through the site which was
active from 1828 to 1868. It is 1/4 mile walk through woodlands so sturdy footwear is recommended. Meet at Common Street next to the Nashua River Rail Trail. The program is free and open to the public, made possible
through a grant of the Commissioners of Groton Trust Funds.

The Trails Committee is back in the woods next Sunday, October 21, in the Gamlin Crystal Springs conservation area from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., when members of the Groton Trails Committee lead a guided hike through the woods of the Gamlin Crystal Springs conservation area in Groton. This beautiful parcel, owned by the Groton Conservation Trust, is accessed via several skillfully routed trails and features dense woods, rocky outcrops, beaver ponds, huge boulders, and an old “lost” quarry. The walk will take about 1½ hours and is suitable for families with children and well behaved, leashed dogs. Wear comfortable hiking shoes as there are some short rocky sections. The hike will be held unless it is very stormy. We will be meeting at the trail head on Old Dunstable Road. Take Lowell Rd. (Rt. 40) to Old Dunstable Rd. Proceed north on Old Dunstable Rd., passing the intersection with Bridge Street after 1.25 miles, then continuing for another 0.25 miles on Old Dunstable Rd. The trail head and parking are on your left, across from a wooden mailbox.

More information and maps on the Trail’s Committee walks are available on the Groton Trails Committee web site.