With acres of dense forests and lush nature reserves, Lunenburg has an abundance of woodsy hiking trails. Whether you're looking for a challenging loop or a leisurely amble, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore these scenic paths. You may see wide-eyed deer or even enjoy a little bird-watching along the way. Here's North End Subaru's pick of some of the best hiking trails in and around Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
Henry E. Cowdrey Nature Center
Hiker with a large backpack by Jake Melara is licensed with UnsplashLicense
The town of Lunenburg has set aside the beautiful wooded Henry E. Cowdrey Nature Center for its residents to protect and preserve its natural resources. It offers over 300 acres of pet-friendly conservation land and an extensive swamp with a convenient bench to watch tranquil sunsets. A brook meanders through the forest, and several charming footbridges allow easy access. With its glossy green leaves and grape-like fragrance, mountain laurel blooms in early spring. Wear waterproof hiking boots if you plan on spotting a beaver, and there's a wild blueberry patch along the way.
A large sign marks the entrance on Route 2A, but it's hard to find if you're not looking out for it. Discover an easy 1.7-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 78 feet. The terrain is easy, and this is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running. The Town of Lunenburg, Massachusetts, government website contains a trail map for the Cowdrey conservation area. This trail is also an idyllic winter hike and a great way to shake off the winter blues.
- Location: 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg, Massachusetts
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Crocker Conservation Area
The Crocker Conservation Area, just 13 minutes away from Lunenburg town center, boasts 149 acres of endless green trees and the magnificent Overlook Reservoir. Easy hiking trails range from wider cart roads to single tracks. Enjoy activities such as birding, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and snowshoeing. The 1.2-mile Overlook Reservoir loop is a popular 26-minute hike with a 91-feet elevation gain. Begin at the Flat Rock Road parking area and then take the Flat Rock Road trail (red triangle). Turn left on the Overlook trail (red circle), cross the dam, and turn left on the water department access road.
The spicebush is stunning on the lower loop trail in April, and the mountain laurel lights up Big's Bushwhack trail at the summer solstice. You can snack on the juicy blueberries in July.
- Location: 215 Flat Rock Road, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Doyle Community Park
Doyle Community Park contains over three miles of scenic hiking trails, fields, meadows, gardens, and parklands. The terrain ranges from crushed stone to dirt. A stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible loop starts at the Abbot Avenue parking area. Pierce meadow is a gem with enormous shade trees and open spaces for picnicking. The park welcomes dogs on a leash and enjoys a spacious parking area.
The well-liked 2.6-mile loop trail is a comfortable route, and it takes an average of 57 minutes to complete the 196-feet elevation gain. This trail is beautiful all year-round and is a local wildlife area. Images of small woodland animals and deer are splendid amid the tall trees, and the peaceful bird sanctuary is heavenly.
- Location: 464 Abbott Ave., Leominster, Massachusetts
- Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Far and Near Reservation
The Farandnear Reservation is very well-maintained and dense with richly colored hemlock trees. Wooded hiking trails also display beloved conifer trees, hardy jewelweed, and busy bumblebees. First blooms in the spring are picturesque, and black-capped chickadees, catbirds, and barred owls call from inside the reservation. The arboretum boasts over 80 conifer trees with a distinct citrus fragrance. The 1.9-mile loop trail is a moderate 42-minute hike with a 144-feet elevation gain. You can extend your trail by crossing the lower dike over the Old Cranberry bog, going down Holden Road, and choosing the Spruce Swamp Brook trail to the Valley Farm conservation area.
- Location: 156 Center Road, Shirley, Massachusetts
- Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Peabody Conservation Area
The Peabody Conservation Area opened to the public in August 2018. Mulpus brook runs across the northern section of the conservation area, and the sweet-smelling woodlands surround it. Fragrances of mountain laurel, wild strawberry, wintergreen, club moss, fern, and blueberry are revitalizing. There is a small wetland area, so pack your waterproof hiking boots for a dry hike. Permitted trail access across private property allows for ample parking at the Town of Lunenburg Lane Conservation on Holman Street. This 8.52-km trail is moderate and has a 96-meter elevation gain. Other enjoyable activities include hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, bird and wildlife viewing, and cross-country skiing.
- Location: 200 Holman St., Lunenburg, Massachusetts
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday through Saturday
Squannacook River Trail
Squannacook River Trail is a pet-friendly trail located 11 minutes away from Lunenburg. This 3.3-mile hike is an easy out-and-back trail and takes an hour to complete with a 72-feet elevation gain. Green shaggy trees add to the aesthetic, and beautiful blue heron wade close to the river. Yellow-rumped warblers sing with a soft trill and nest in horizontal branches. Brown creepers forage on tree trunks and branches, probing with their beak for insects. This hiking trail is free from large groups of people and is the perfect place to soak in the tranquility of nature. Squannacook River Trail is the easiest on our list but incredibly peaceful.
- Location: 88 S Harbor Road, Townsend, Massachusetts
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
This is our list of some of the best hiking trails in and around Lunenburg. Did we miss any of your favorite trails? Drop us a line if you have a recommendation, and we can add it to our next list. While you're at it, check out our selection of new vehicles or our collection of pre-owned vehicles. Here at North End Subaru, we've got you covered.
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