On Friday, November 18 State Senator Ed Kennedy, State Senator Jaime Eldridge, Groton Selectman Peter Cunningham and Susan Templeton from State Senator John Cronin’s office met with several members of the Friends of the Nashua River Rail Trail to inspect the condition of the popular Nashua River Rail Trail.
The Nashua River Rail Trail is 12.3 miles long and stretches from the Ayer Central Business District through Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, Dunstable and Nashua, New Hampshire. Along the way the rail trail travels through wooded areas and passes by ponds, fields, swamps, farms. The entire trail is paved with asphalt.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation purchased the rail trail corridor in 1987 and it is designated as a Massachusetts state park. The official opening and dedication of the Nashua River Rail Trail took place more than 20 years ago, on October 25, 2002.
The Nashua River Rail Trail “deferred maintenance inspection tour” gets underway as the group leaves the Broadmeadow Road parking area in Groton. 
State Senators Ed Kennedy and Jaime Eldridge stand with members of the Friends of The Nashua River Rail Trail during the inspection of the deferred maintenance along many segments of the popular rail trail. 
Pepperell resident and Nashua River Watershed Association board member, Susan Edwards discusses the deteriorating condition of the Nashua River Rail Trail with State Senator Ed Kennedy during the tour. 
During the tour there were a few bird-watching opportunities along the rail trail. 
One of many trouble spots along the 21-year-old rail trail. 
Most of the many depressions along the Nashua River Rail Trail have been marked with white paint. 
Tree roots have caused cracks in the pavement that result in a bumpy ride in several places along the Nashua River Rail Trail.