This ride features the abandoned Nashua, Acton and Boston Railroad grade. We will ride about 5 miles of the NA&B from Groton to the New Hampshire state line. Along the way we will cross at least two stone arch bridges, the one near the NH border has a great swimming hole. We will also ride around Massapoag Pond and visit Dunstable Center.

This route starts at Larter Field (PortaPotty equipped) in Dunstable. Larter Field will be on your right if you are coming from Groton on Chicopee Row (which turns into Groton Street in Dunstable). Dogwood Lane is right across the street from Larter Field. The best I can figure out is that Larter Field’s address is 100 Groton Street. Click on the map below to go to MapQuest for directions.

Click on the route map below for full size view.

NA&B Railroad 1   NA&B Railroad 2

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History:

Here we are at the Stone Arch Bridge in Dunstable.

Chartered first in Massachusetts in 1871 and in New Hampshire a year later, the Nashua, Acton & Boston Railroad was backed by the Concord Railroad because it was an alternate route to Boston, competing with the Nashua & Lowell and Boston & Lowell Railroads. In fact, the route was six miles shorter than the combined Nashua & Lowell and Boston & Lowell route. When the line opened in 1873, the bold move to attract Boston bound traffic from Nashua via the Fitchburg Railroad, caused an undercut in fares on the Nashua & Lowell and Boston & Lowell lines. Despite what seemed to be a promising venture, the Nashua, Acton & Boston never enjoyed success.

The line was leased by the Concord Railroad in 1876; and in 1895, along with the entire Concord Railroad, it became a part of the Boston & Maine Railroad. The line drew little revenue and through freights were stopped. No station on the line was more than four miles away from another railroad. Passenger service ended with mixed trains in 1924. By petition in 1925, the line was abandoned; and in 1926, the only part left intact was in Nashua. The rails were left in Nashua until 1980, being used as an industrial spur, until they too were taken up.