Moderate
Massachusetts · United States
- Distance
- 9.5 km / 5.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 68 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 5 min
- Forest
- Waymarked route
Groton Town Forest Race 9.5 mile Loop
ModerateMassachusetts · United States
- Distance
- 14.5 km (9.0 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 110 m (361 ft)
- Typical time
- 3 hr 11 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 83 m (272 ft)
About Groton Town Forest Race 9.5 mile Loop
Groton Town Forest Race 9.5 mile Loop is a 14.5 km hiking route in Massachusetts, United States. It climbs roughly 110 m (361 ft) along the way, topping out at 83 m (272 ft). Most people take around 3 hr 11 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.
The woodland changes character with the seasons, at its best when the canopy turns.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Leominster, about 14.2 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Groton Trails Committee.
In short, Groton Town Forest Race 9.5 mile Loop suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate14.5 km110 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +110 m
- Descent
- −113 m
- High
- 83 m (272 ft)
- Low
- 60 m (197 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 21 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Forest
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 52/100
- Adventure
- 26/100
- Difficulty
- 37/100
- Accessibility
- 53/100
- Family
- 35/100
- Dogs
- 70/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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