Nashua Outdoors: Parks, Trails and Riverfront Walks

Nashua is New Hampshire's second-largest city, and most people know it for shopping along the Massachusetts border. Fewer know that it has one of the largest urban parks in the state running right through its middle, two rivers, and a growing collection of outdoor public art. Spring is a good time to discover it: the trails dry out sooner than in the mountains, and the riverbanks green up early. This guide covers the Nashua NH parks and trails worth your time, with local bike shops, gear stores and arts groups from our directory.

Nashua at a glance

Nashua sits where the Nashua River flows into the Merrimack River, just north of the Massachusetts state line. The 2020 census counted 91,322 residents. Like Manchester to the north, Nashua grew as a mill city, and its downtown on Main Street still has mill-era brick buildings near the river.

The city's nickname, the Gate City, reflects its position as a gateway between New Hampshire and Massachusetts. That location also makes it the easiest outdoor day trip in the state for anyone coming from the Boston area.

Mine Falls Park: the heart of outdoor Nashua

Mine Falls Park is the city's signature green space: a long stretch of woods, fields and water along the Nashua River and a historic mill canal, reaching close to downtown. The park covers roughly 325 acres. A network of paved and unpaved paths runs along the river and the canal, and the park connects to neighborhoods on several sides, so you can walk in from downtown rather than drive.

What to do there:

• Walk or run the canal path. The path along the old power canal is flat and easy, good for a first visit.
• Bike the loop. Many trails are suitable for casual mountain biking or a hybrid bike. Yield to walkers.
• Watch for wildlife. The river corridor draws birds, and spring migration is a good time to bring binoculars.
• Find the falls and the dam. The park is named for the falls on the Nashua River, which once powered the city's mills.

In April, expect some wet sections on dirt paths. Stick to the main paths and avoid widening muddy spots by walking around them.

Rail trails: flat miles for walking and biking

The Nashua Heritage Rail Trail is a short paved path through the downtown area, built on a former railroad line. It is good for a stroll or a short ride that connects to Main Street.

The Nashua River Rail Trail is a 12.5-mile paved trail that follows the Nashua River from Ayer, Massachusetts, through Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable, and ends about a mile across the state line in Nashua. It is level and long enough for a real bike ride. Start at the New Hampshire end and ride out and back for an easy half-day.

Greeley Park and other city parks

Greeley Park, in the north end of the city, covers about 125 acres extending from the Merrimack River across Concord Street. It began as a family farm and became a public park in the early 1900s, and today it is a traditional city park with open lawns and mature trees. It is a good spot for a picnic and an easy walk with children. Nashua also has smaller parks and riverfront spaces downtown along the Nashua River, where a riverwalk connects parts of the city center to the water.

Art outdoors: sculpture and murals

One of Nashua's distinctive outdoor experiences is its public art. The Nashua International Sculpture Symposium has brought sculptors from around the world to the city each year since 2008. Artists spend about three weeks in Nashua creating new works, and the completed sculptures are placed in public spaces around the city. The organization notes that Nashua is the only city in the United States that hosts an annual international sculpture symposium. Over the years the pieces have added up, and you can build a walk or bike ride around finding them.

Nashua also has a growing collection of murals. Positive Street Art is a Nashua-based nonprofit that creates community murals and public art. Combining a sculpture hunt with a mural walk downtown makes a good outing on a spring afternoon when the trails are still wet.

Gear up locally

Goodale's Bike Shop has deep roots in the city: the shop was founded in Nashua by Walt M. Goodale more than a century ago and is now part of Trek's retail stores, with a location on Broad Street. Stop in for a tune-up before rail-trail season or to ask about local rides.

Eastern Mountain Sports has a Nashua store for hiking, camping and paddling gear. It is a useful stop for rain shells and footwear before a trip north to the White Mountains, which are about two hours away.

Rainy-day backup plans

April weather in New Hampshire swings between sun and showers. If the trails are too wet, Nashua has indoor options. SkyVenture offers indoor skydiving and indoor surfing, which is a memorable way to spend an hour with older kids or adults. Fun World is a family entertainment center for a rainy afternoon with younger children.

A sample spring day in Nashua

1. Morning. Walk the canal path in Mine Falls Park while it is quiet.

2. Late morning. Bike part of the Nashua River Rail Trail, out and back.

3. Lunch. Head to Main Street downtown.

4. Afternoon. Walk downtown to find sculptures and murals, with a stop at a bike or gear shop.

5. Backup. If it rains, switch to an indoor activity.

Tips for visiting

• Mud season. Dirt trails can be soft in April. Paved rail trails are the better choice after heavy rain.
• Ticks. Check for ticks after walking in grass and woods, starting in spring.
• Parking. Mine Falls Park has several access points with parking. Check the city's parks page for current entrances.
• Respect closures. Some paths may close for maintenance or flooding after storms.

FAQ

What is the biggest park in Nashua, NH?

Mine Falls Park, which covers roughly 325 acres along the Nashua River and a historic canal.

Are there bike trails in Nashua?

Yes. Mine Falls Park has many paths, and the Nashua Heritage Rail Trail and the Nashua River Rail Trail are paved and flat.

Where can I see public art in Nashua?

Sculptures from the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium are placed in public spaces around the city, and downtown has community murals.

Is Nashua good for a day trip from Boston?

Yes. It is just over the Massachusetts line, so it is one of the closest New Hampshire cities to the Boston area.

What can I do in Nashua when it rains?

Indoor options include indoor skydiving and surfing, family entertainment centers, and downtown shops and restaurants.

Sources

• Nashua, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 census population; Gate City; rivers): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashua,_New_Hampshire
• Mine Falls Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mine_Falls_Park
• Greeley Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeley_Park
• Nashua River Rail Trail, Wikipedia (12.5 miles; route): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashua_River_Rail_Trail
• Nashua International Sculpture Symposium (history since 2008; only U.S. city with an annual symposium): https://nashuasculpturesymposium.org/
• Goodale's Bike Shop (history; Broad Street location): https://www.goodalesbikeshop.com/
• Business websites: positivestreetart.org, ems.com, skyventurenh.com, funworldnh.com