Westford''s Trailside Way

Directions to

Westford's Trailside Way

The small parking lot accessible via a short dirt road at the end of this out-of-the-way lane, a roadway too new or too insignificant to show up on any mapset we've found (including MapQuest and MapsOnUs), is nevertheless a prime jumping off spot for Kennedy Pond and the extensive trail networks to be found in Westford's Emmet and Wilson conservation areas. Both are contiguous with the Audubon Society's Nashoba Brook sanctuary and abut the many (sometimes stinky) paths associated with Bobby's Horse Ranch (a notable destination on its own, given the eclectic animal population in residence there). Getting to Trailside Way, for those who've visited the Nashoba Valley Ski Center, will seem familiar; it's just a few blocks down Power Road. In fact, if you're relying on MapQuest instead of us (always a wise thing to do), ask for directions to "32 power road" in "westford"; that's Nashoba Valley. While not a direct hit, this intersection is very close to Trailside Way.

For what it's worth, when we quizzed MapQuest it suggested anyone leaving from our home in Burlington should drive west on Route 3, then south on 495 to Route 110, and then engage in some terminal navigation; estimated driving time is 32 minutes. MapQuest will explain the final gymnastics if you ask it to; in practice we wouldn't choose to take its advice but would, instead, do this:

To get to Trailside Way from the intersection of Routes 128/95 and 4/225

Take Exit 31 from 128/95 to Route 225 westbound, then drive through Bedford and Carlisle Centers, continuing on Route 225 west from Carlisle Center through the stop lights at Route 27 and continue to Power Road; the distance from Route 128/95 to the stop sign at the 225/Power Road intersection is about 12.2 miles. Turn left on Power Road and drive 0.4 miles to Trailside Way. It'll be on the left. (If you should miss Trailside Way you'll come almost immediately to Nashoba Valley; turn around and go back about 0.1 miles. That should do it.) Go all the way to the end, where you'll find a short dirt road leading into the woods. Take it. The parking area is a few tens of meters along this road.

If not the fastest way to get there, this one is certifiably the most scenic.

An alternative route from 128/95: Routes 2 and 2A

If starting from a location where access to Route 2 is fast and natural, then consider driving west on it toward Acton and Fitchburg (from Route 128/95 take Exit 29) where, 3.9 miles from Route 128, it makes a sharp left at a set of lights. From here, continue another 4.5 miles to the Concord Rotary and take the second exit onto Route 2A/119. Once on Route 2A, drive it 5.5 miles (through the lights at Route 27) to Powers Road. There are both lights and a sign for Nashoba Valley at the 2A/Powers Road intersection. Turn right onto Powers Road and follow it 0.5 miles to Trailside, which comes up on the right. The ski area is a key landmark; starting looking for Trailside immediately after passing it. Shouldn't be more than 0.1 miles or so. Park as above.

According to MapQuest, using this strategy a law abiding citizen can drive from Weston's town hall to Trailside Way in a little more than 30 minutes.

A curious, Massachusetts-only note:

At its Acton end, where drivers coming up Route 2A will encounter it, "Powers Road" is the thoroughfare upon which Nashoba is situated. As soon as it transitions to Westford, however, the road's name changes to "Power". Why drop the "s"? Your guess is as good as ours.

*** Good Luck !!! ***