CONCORD RIVER GREENWAY

CONCORD RIVER GREENWAY:

LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS

-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-

Last Updated: May 27, 2023

Length: Concord River Greenway; 0.8 miles currently completed

Difficulty: Easy. Flat, paved trail.

Directions:

To Start from the Lawrence Street parking lot [Southern End]; From I-495 take exit 91 to Woburn St north. Turn left on Lawrence St and just before crossing over the Concord River a small parking lot will be on your right.

To Start from E Merrimack Street [Northern End]; From the Lawrence Street parking lot continue north on Lawrence St, right on Church St (cross over the river) and your second left on High St. Turn left on E Merrimack St. Just past the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, turn left on Davidson St and into the Davidson Street parking lot (Parking Fee). To avoid a Parking Fee you can start from the Lowell NHP parking lot. See; Lowell NHP; Canalwalk .

The Concord River Greenway is being constructed primarily along an abandoned spur of the Guilford RR paralleling the Concord River. It will connect Lowell's largest open spaces, including Rogers Fort Hill Park and Shedd Park with Lowell Cemetery and the city's cemeteries. You may also easily access the Lowell NHP; Canalwalk and the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Sections. The Concord River Greenway will close a missing 5-mile link in the regional 200-mile BAY CIRCUIT TRAIL . Future plans call for connecting into the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Chelmsford. For more information visit; CONCORD RIVER GREENWAY .

Concord River Greenway; Northern End:

Starting from E Merrimack Street [Northern End]; The paved Concord River Greenway travels South along the east side of the Concord River. Check out the detailed iron fencing and gates. Picnic tables located here. Informational signboards located along the trail. The trail currently only travels 0.2 miles before ending at Chestnut St. Currently, as of 2023 a gap remains between the Northern & Southern sections. Phase 3B has been designed and will include a bridge. See; Map Below.

Note; From E Merrimack Street you can access downtown Lowell, the Lowell NHP; Canalwalk and the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Section. Head left along E Merrimack St (the Lowell Memorial Auditorium is across the street) and cross over the Concord River. This brings you to the Lowell NHP; Canalwalk next to Middlesex Community College. A Map Board is located here underneath the pavilion. See; Lowell NHP; Canalwalk .

Concord River Greenway; Southern End:

Starting from the Lawrence Street parking lot [Southern End]; The paved Concord River Greenway travels North past the Lowell Cemetery (on your right) along the East Side of the river, which splits around Centennial Island. View of the dam, which allowed for power generation on Centennial Island. To the right of the dam is a Fish Ladder. Informational signs. After 0.3 miles the trail ends. A bridge then takes you left across the Concord River to Centennial Island where the paved trail continues north alongside the river. Look left to spot the dyke. On the other side is the power canal. Come to the northern end of the island where the river combines as one again. To your left you can see where the river emerges from underneath a building, for power generation. Here another bridge will take across the river to converted mill buildings. Picnic table. The trail continues north through a parking lot and over a bridge (Probably more water power produced for the old mill building). You the pick up the paved trail which travels along the West Side of the river. The trail brings you up to Jollene Debner Park, where you'll find a pergola and benches. It then brings you up to Rogers St after 0.6 miles. From here you'll need to travel on-road (sidewalk available) across the Rogers Street Bridge back to the East Side of the Concord River. Currently, as of June 2023 a gap remains between the Northern & Southern sections. Phase 3B has been designed and will include a bridge. See; Map Below.

Here are the proposed options for connecting the Concord River Greenway to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

CLICK HERE FOR CONCORD RIVER GREENWAY MAP

BEFORE YOU SET OUT BE SURE TO READ THE

WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER

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