LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK; CANALWALK

LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK; CANALWALK:

MERRIMACK RIVER TRAIL; LOWELL SECTIONS:

LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS

-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-

Last Updated: July 15, 2025

Length: Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Inner Loop; 1.9 mile Loop [2.3 mile Loop w/Spurs]

Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Outer Loop [Includes; Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk, plus Northern & Western Canals]; 4.7 mile Loop [5.3 mile Loop w/Spurs]

Northern Canal Walkway; 1.7 miles

Merrimack River Trail: Lowell Riverwalk; 1.6 miles

Merrimack River Trail: South Shore; 1.4 miles

Merrimack River Trail: Vandenberg Esplanade; 1.4 miles

Merrimack River Trail: Northeast Shore; 1.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy. Mostly flat, paved, stone, brick & boardwalk trails.

Directions:

From I-495 take exit 89C to the Lowell Connector. Take exit 5B to Thorndike St and continue along Dutton St. Turn right on Canal St. Pass by the old parking lot on your left, then take your first left to access the *Lowell NHP Visitor Center parking garage on your right.

Lowell National Historical Park encompasses the historical buildings, Canals and history of Lowell during the rise of the Industrial Revolution. A great way to take in all this history is via the Canalwalk, a path that traverses Lowell alongside its many intersecting Canals. For more information check out; LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK , Merrimack River Trail and Concord River Greenway .

I've created 2 Loop Routes; The Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Inner Loop, which focuses around the Visitor Center area and the much longer, Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Outer Loop, which includes part of the Inner Loop, along with the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk, Northern & Western Canal Trails. From this Loop you can also access the Concord River Greenway, Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore, Merrimack River Trail; Vandenberg Esplanade, Merrimack River Trail; South Shore & Pawtucket Canal Trail.

Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Inner Loop:

Starting from the *Lowell NHP Visitor Center; The Lowell NHP Canalwalk starts from the *Intersection of Canal & Dutton Streets, next to the Merrimack Canal at the Park entrance.

Note; The Visitor Center has restrooms, along with Maps. Blue Canalwalk signs are located along the trail to help guide you through the city.

Start your tour by traveling left, South, from the *Intersection of Canal & Dutton Streets at the Park entrance, along the paved Lowell NHP Canalwalk. The trail travels along the Eastern Side of the Merrimack Canal bringing you to the Swamp Locks Gatehouse and an overlook of the Swamp Locks, where the Merrimack & Pawtucket Canals meet. Informational signboards are located all along the route. Take a right, along an old RR bridge across the Canal and travel next to the Trolley tracks.

Note; A Trolley Car Tour through the Park is available. See; TOURS .

The trail then crosses another old RR bridge, where the Pawtucket, Lower Pawtucket, Western, Merrimack & Hamilton Canals all meet, to Jackson St, before turning left, East, alongside the Hamilton Canal. Pass by an old Lock before coming to Canal & Jackson Streets at 0.3 miles.

Note; Spur #1. If you head left, North, across the Hamilton Canal, you can follow the short, crushed gravel Point Park Loop Trail on your left, which takes you out to Point Park, then back along the Canal to the opposite side of the Swamp Locks. Come to Canal St. Take a quick left to check out the Swamp Locks, then right, South, back across the Canal to Canal & Jackson Streets to complete a 0.3 mile Loop.

From Canal & Jackson Streets continue East, between Jackson St and the Southern Side of the Hamilton Canal, past the converted Appleton Mill to the Hamilton Mill, where the paved trail ends at 0.5 miles [0.8 miles including Spur #1]. Continue on-road (sidewalk available) past the Hamilton Mill, out to Central St.

Note; Just before Central St, past the last brick mill building on your left, turn left, to a small courtyard w/black iron fencing. Here you'll find a nice view of the Hamilton Canal as it travels between the two old mill buildings. The Hamilton Wasteway Gatehouse is also located here. This is where the Hamilton Canal enters the Lower Pawtucket Canal.

Head left, North, on-road (side-walk available) along Central St, until you reach the Lower Pawtucket Canal.

Note; Right, East, the path continues along the Southern Side of the Lower Pawtucket Canal. This path was closed in 2023 (washout or re-building?).

Cross over the Canal.

Note; Shortcut. Left, a set of stairs lead down to the brick Canalway Path which follows the Northern Side of the Lower Pawtucket Canal West. Path was closed in 2023. This path soon turns right, North, alongside a building, bringing you to a small courtyard. Travel along the brick lined path through this park out to Market St and the brick Market Mill building. Left, West, brings you past the front of the *Lowell NHP Visitor Center to the Merrimack Canal. Head left, South, along the paved trail, retuning to Intersection of Canal & Dutton Streets at the Park entrance for a 1.2 mile Loop [1.5 miles including Spur #1].

Cross over the Canal and travel right, East, down a set of stairs to the paved Canalway Path, along the Northern Side of the Lower Pawtucket Canal.

Note; If biking and you don't wish to carry your bike down the stairs continue straight to **Market Street and turn right. Spot a tunnel through the building that will take you out to the Eastern Canal & ***Bridge.

The trail turns left, along the Eastern Canal bringing you to a ***Bridge.

Note; Look left, to spot a tunnel that travels underneath the building to **Market Street.

Cross the ***Bridge over the Canal and head right to an overlook of the ^Lower Locks Gatehouse. Picnic tables. Continue left, East, along a granite walkway between Middlesex Community College and Northern Side of the Lower Pawtucket Canal. This brings you to a covered walkway and an Overlook of the Concord River at 0.9 miles. Across the river is the Concord River Greenway. A Map Board is located here.

Note; Spur #2. Travel right, South, across the covered walkway over the Lower Pawtucket Canal to another overlook of the Concord River. Head right, down a ramp to a granite path where you can check out the set of 2 Locks. 0.1 mile Loop.

From the Overlook travel North, between Middlesex Community College and the Concord River along a brick path out to E Merrimack St at 1 mile [1.4 miles including Spurs #1&2]. Inner & Outer Loops split here. See; Outer Loop Below.

Note; To access the Concord River Greenway turn right, East and cross the Concord River to Davidson St. Head right down Davidson St to the trailhead on your right. Map Board.

Cross E Merrimack St and continue left, on-road (sidewalk available) to the Eastern Canal.

Note; Left, South, along the brick Canalway Path, returns you alongside the RR tracks to the ^Lower Locks Gatehouse.

Head right, North, along the brick pathway and RR tracks to an old RR bridge across the Eastern Canal. Head right between the Canal on your right and the Jack Kerouac Commemorative Park to your left. Across the Canal are the Massachusetts Mills. The Canal & trail turns left, Northwest, bringing you out to Bridge St. Caution; No Cross-walk. Here you'll need to detour left, through the park, then right to a cross-walk over Bridge St and right back to the Eastern Canal and Trolley tracks. Continue left between the RR tracks and Eastern Canal. After 1.2 miles [1.6 miles including Spurs #1&2] you'll come to the entrance for the **Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Across the street is Boarding House Park.

Note; Right takes you along the cobblestone entrance through the Boott Cotton Mills courtyard. Continue straight across the RR tracks, then through an open arch out to the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk [See; Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk Below].

Continue straight, Northwest, past Boarding House Park and the Working People Exhibit where the Canal bears left and come to the Merrimack Waste Weir (right out to the Merrimack River). Cross the Trolley tracks and follow the Eastern Side of the Merrimack Canal left out to and across Father Morissette Blvd. 1.4The wide trail continues South, alongside the Canal, past Lowell High School and through Lucy Larcom Park to Merrimack St. Head right, over the Canal to the 1848 Moody Street Feeder Gatehouse. Cross Merrimack St to a small plaza where the Canal is now covered over by brick. Continue straight past the old B&M Switcher Locomotive & RR car and NATIONAL STREETCAR MUSEUM (this is where the Trolley TOURS originate). Pass through Mack Plaza, where the Canal is open again, to Market St. Cross to a narrow path between the Canal & *Lowell NHP Visitor Center and return to the *Intersection of Canal & Dutton Streets, next to the Merrimack Canal at the Park entrance after a 1.9 mile Loop [2.3 mile Loop including Spurs #1&2].

Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Outer Loop:

Starting from the *Lowell NHP Visitor Center; The Lowell NHP Canalwalk starts from the *Intersection of Canal & Dutton Streets, next to the Merrimack Canal at the Park entrance.

Note; The Visitor Center has restrooms, along with Maps. Blue Canalwalk signs are located along the trail to help guide you through the city.

Note; A Trolley Car Tour through the Park is available. See; TOURS .

Note; Spur #1. If you head left, North, across the Hamilton Canal, you can follow the short, crushed gravel Point Park Loop Trail on your left, which takes you out to Point Park, then back along the Canal to the opposite side of the Swamp Locks. Come to Canal St. Take a quick left to check out the Swamp Locks, then right, South, back across the Canal to Canal & Jackson Streets to complete a 0.3 mile Loop.

Note; Just before Central St, past the last brick mill building on your left, turn left, to a small courtyard w/black iron fencing. Here you'll find a nice view of the Hamilton Canal as it travels between the two old mill buildings. The Hamilton Wasteway Gatehouse is also located here. This is where the Hamilton Canal enters the Lower Pawtucket Canal.

Head left, North, on-road (side-walk available) along Central St, until you reach the Lower Pawtucket Canal.

Note; Right, East, the path continues along the Southern Side of the Lower Pawtucket Canal. This path was closed in 2023 (washout or re-building?).

Cross over the Canal.

Note; Shortcut. Left, a set of stairs lead down to the brick Canalway Path which follows the Northern Side of the Lower Pawtucket Canal West. Path was closed in 2023. This path soon turns right, North, alongside a building, bringing you to a small courtyard. Travel along the brick lined path through this park out to Market St and the brick Market Mill building. Left, West, brings you past the front of the *Lowell NHP Visitor Center to the Merrimack Canal. Head left, South, along the paved trail, retuning to Intersection of Canal & Dutton Streets at the Park entrance for a 1.2 mile Loop [1.5 miles including Spur #1].

Cross over the Canal and travel right, East, down a set of stairs to the paved Canalway Path, along the Northern Side of the Lower Pawtucket Canal.

Note; If biking and you don't wish to carry your bike down the stairs continue straight to **Market Street and turn right. Spot a tunnel through the building that will take you out to the Eastern Canal & ***Bridge.

The trail turns left, along the Eastern Canal bringing you to a ***Bridge.

Note; Look left, to spot a tunnel that travels underneath the building to **Market Street.

Note; Spur #2. Travel right, South, across the covered walkway over the Lower Pawtucket Canal to another overlook of the Concord River. Head right, down a ramp to a granite path where you can check out the set of 2 Locks. 0.1 mile Loop.

Note; To access the Concord River Greenway turn right, East and cross the Concord River to Davidson St. Head right down Davidson St to the trailhead on your right. Map Board.

Cross E Merrimack St and head right, across the Concord River to the *Lowell Memorial Auditorium on your left.

Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk:

[Continuing Mileage] Head left, North, above the river and cross a pedestrian bridge over the Concord River. Travel right, along a brick path between the river and mill buildings. Come to the confluence of the Concord & Merrimack Rivers where a cantilevered boardwalk takes you left, Northwest, above the Merrimack River and down to a cement cantilevered trail that travels underneath the Bridge Street bridge. The trail travels between the brick mill buildings and river. Come to a ramp at 1.5 miles.

Note; Left, up this ramp, will take you through a brick arch and across some old RR tracks to the cobblestone Boott Cotton Mills courtyard. Continue straight past the **Boott Cotton Mills Museum and across the Trolley tracks to the Foot of John St. Here you can access the Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Inner Loop. Across the street is Boarding House Park.

Continuing along the Merrimack River you cross the Eastern Canal Wasteway (where the Canal empties into the Merrimack River). Here the trail is no longer cantilevered. Next, pass by a promenade overlooking the river before coming to an intersection, just shy of 1.9 miles.

Note; Left, South, a paved takes you up along the Western Canal Wasteway, where the Canal empties into the Merrimack River. Here you'll find a park with picnic tables located behind the Tsongas Center & Arena.

You pass by the site of the old Merrimack Mill, where you'll find three wooden covered water tunnels? Cross a bridge over the Western Canal Wasteway at 1.9 miles, before passing by the Lawrence Mills.

Note; Spur #3. Left, South, the cement Lawrence Mill Park Trail takes you up along the open lawns, then right, West, between the mill buildings and East, back to the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk after 0.3 miles. [Adds 0.2 miles]

The wide trail passes by one mill building before coming to an intersection at 2 miles.

Note; Spur #3. Left, is where the Lawrence Mill Park Trail rejoins the trail.

You then pass by a large brick smokestack, before heading between the river and mill building and traveling underneath the iron Ouelette Bridge. This brings you to an intersection at 2.2 miles [2.8 miles including Spurs #1-3].

Note; You may access the Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore by heading left, up to Aiken St. Turn left, again and follow the pedestrian path North, across the Ouelette Bridge to the VFW Highway. Turn right and cross Aiken St to reach an access path down to the trail after 0.3 miles. [See; Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore Below]

Continuing right, the trail travels around the backside of LeLacheur Stadium and past UMass Lowell; North Campus heading West. This brings you up to a 9-11 Memorial overlooking the discharge Canal for a hydroelectric plant and Pawtucket Falls. The trail heads South, out to Pawtucket St, where you'll find a brick cross-walk at 2.6 miles [3.2 miles including Spurs #1-3].

Note; You can access the Merrimack River Trail; South Shore, Merrimack River Trail: Vandenberg Esplanade and Pawtucket Canal Trail, all located Southwest of here. See; Merrimack River Trails Below.

Use the crosswalk and head right, to a paved path on your left, which takes you down to the Northern Canal.

Northern Canal Trail:

[Continuing Mileage] The paved Northern Canal Trail travels East, along the Northern Side of the Northern Canal.

Note; The Northern Canal Walkway (Bikes not allowed) travels right, West. [See; Northern Canal Walkway Below]

Pass by the large brick Wannalancit Mill (formerly the Suffolk Mills) which also houses the Suffolk Mill Turbine Exhibit. Next comes the Tremont Gatehouse & Powerhouse at 3 miles. This is where the Northern Canal enters the Western Canal. Cross over the Canal and you'll come to the Suffolk Mill Trolley Stop.

Western Canal Trail:

Turn left, North and follow the narrow, paved Western Canal Trail along the Western Side of the Western Canal Wasteway to Hall St. Turn left and cross the Canal to pick up the trail as it continues right, alongside the Canal to Perkins St. Again, turn right and cross back over the Canal along a Pedestrian Bridge. This will bring you to the Western Side of the Tsongas Center Arena. Head left, along the Eastern Side of the Canal to a park overlooking the Merrimack River and Western Canal Wasteway.

Note; You can access the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk by continuing down the paved trail. See Below.

Return to the Pedestrian Bridge and continue straight, North, coming to Hall St at 3.4 miles. Turn left, on-road (low traffic/sidewalk available) along Hall St.

Note; A paved trail also head left, bringing you to the front of the Tsongas Center Arena, however, there are only stairs to exit.

Come to to the Tsongas Center Arena traffic circle, where a double-wide sidewalk travels right, South, out Father Morrisette Blvd.

Note; The 0.6 miles Father Morissette Blvd BIKE LANE crosses here. You can utilize this BIKE LANE West, back to the Western Canal, however, there is no cross-light available there, plus there is a cement median you would have to cross over.

You'll need to utilize the cross-light here, then travel right, West, via a sidewalk back to the Western Canal at 3.7 miles. Head left, South, along the Eastern Side the Western Canal via a paved trail to Moody St. A brick trail continues straight.

Note; A cement trail also travels along the Western Side the Western Canal.

When you come to Merrimack St, you can either continue straight, on-road (One-Way/low traffic) or switch to the Western Side of the Canal, where you'll find a sidewalk. Cross Market St and continue on-road (One-Way/low traffic/sidewalks along both sides of Canal) along Lewis St, which takes you past the brick lined Ecumenical Plaza to Jefferson St.

Note; Along the Eastern Side the Canal, a ramp leads down to a path alongside the Canal [If biking continue straight, on-road, along Suffolk St (One-Way wrong way/sidewalk) as the lower path ends at a stairway].

Cross Broadway St, where a paved trail now travels along the Western Side of the Canal, separated from Suffolk St at 4 miles. The trail then turns East, out to Dutton St, utilizing a boardwalk. Head right, South, away from the Canal, to Fletcher St at 4.3 miles. Cross Fletcher St where you'll find a cross-light over busy Thorndike St and another across Jackson St. This brings returns you to the old RR bridge, at 4.4 miles, where the Pawtucket, Lower Pawtucket, Western, Merrimack & Hamilton Canals all meet. Head North, across the bridge, passing by the Trolley tracks, where you'll cross the 2nd old RR bridge returning to the Swamp Locks Gatehouse and an overlook of the Swamp Locks, where the Merrimack & Pawtucket Canals meet. Retrace the trail North, returning to the *Lowell NHP Visitor Center after an 4.7 mile Loop. [5.3 miles including Spurs #1-3].

Northern Canal Walkway:

Finished in 1847, the Northern Canal runs along the Merrimack River separated by a 36 foot high granite wall later named the "Great River Wall." The Northern Canal Walkway (which includes the Great River Wall) provides breathtaking views of the Merrimack River, the Canal and the surrounding areas. However, access to the Northern Canal Walkway is only available when the flow rate in the Merrimack River is under 3500 cubic feet per second.

Note; The causeway section of the Northern Canal is open from May 15-October 15. Bikes not allowed.

Starting from the Northern Canal just below Pawtucket Street; Pass through the gate where a boardwalk takes you underneath the Pawtucket St Bridge. Cross over the Power Canal that feeds the Hydroelectric Plant to your right. Next travel along a causeway that runs between the Canal and the Merrimack River. Note how dry the riverbed is here as most of the water is diverted for the Canals upstream. After less then 0.1 miles the trail surface consists of granite blocks before returning to cement. Another short granite block section before you enter a narrow island trail at 0.3 miles that consists of stone-dust. This brings you to a ramp that leads up to the Mammoth Road/School Street Bridge. A cross-light to your left will take you across the road to the *** Northern Canal Gatehouse after 1.7 miles. A white gate leads down to an overlook of the Pawtucket Dam & Falls, as well as, a walkway around a Lock and the gatehouse. To your left is the 1847 Gatekeepers House.

Note; You may access the Merrimack River Trail: Vandenberg Esplanade, along the Northern Side of the Merrimack River, by following the pedestrian path North, across the river to Route 113. [See; Merrimack River Trail: Vandenberg Esplanade Below]

Note; To access the Merrimack River Trail; South Shore, along the Northern Side of the Merrimack River, a cross-light here takes you over School St to the ***Northern Canal Gatehouse.

Note; A white gate leads down to an overlook of the Pawtucket Dam & Falls, as well as, a walkway around a Lock and the gatehouse. To your left is the 1847 Gatekeepers House.

Travel South, on-road (sidewalk available) along School St, to Pawtucket St. [See; Merrimack River Trail: south Shore Below]

Merrimack River Trails:

Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk:

Starting from the *Lowell Memorial Auditorium; The cement Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk travels North, above the river and across a pedestrian bridge over the Concord River. Travel right, along a brick path between the river and mill buildings. Come to the confluence of the Concord & Merrimack Rivers where a cantilevered boardwalk takes you left, Northwest, above the Merrimack River and down to a cement cantilevered trail that travels underneath the Bridge Street bridge. The trail travels between the brick mill buildings and river. Come to a ramp at 0.4 miles.

Note; Left, up this ramp, will take you through a brick arch and across some old RR tracks to the cobblestone Boott Cotton Mills courtyard. Continue straight past the **Boott Cotton Mills Museum and across the Trolley tracks to the Foot of John St. Here you can access the Lowell NHP; Canalwalk; Inner Loop. Across the street is Boarding House Park.

Note; Left, South, a paved takes you up along the Western Canal Wasteway, where the Canal empties into the Merrimack River. Here you'll find a park with picnic tables located behind the Tsongas Center & Arena.

You pass by the site of the old Merrimack Mill, where you'll find three wooden covered water tunnels? Cross a bridge over the Western Canal Wasteway at 0.8 miles, before passing by the Lawrence Mills.

Note; Spur #3. Left, South, the cement Lawrence Mill Park Trail takes you up along the open lawns, then right, West, between the mill buildings and East, back to the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk after 0.3 miles. [Adds 0.2 miles]

The wide trail passes by one mill building before coming to an intersection at 0.9 miles.

Note; Spur #3. Left, is where the Lawrence Mill Park Trail rejoins the trail.

You then pass by a large brick smokestack, before heading between the river and mill building and traveling underneath the iron Ouelette Bridge. This brings you to an intersection at 1.1 miles [1.3 miles including Spur #3].

Note; You may access the Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore by heading left, up to Aiken St. Turn left, again and follow the pedestrian path North, across the Ouelette Bridge to the VFW Highway. Turn right and cross Aiken St to reach an access path down to the trail after 0.3 miles. [See; Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore Below]

Note; To access the Northern Canal and Northern Canal Walkway (Bikes not allowed) use the crosswalk and head right, to a paved path on your left, which leads down to the Northern Canal at 2.6 miles. [See; Northern Canal Walkway Below]

Head right, on-road (wide shoulder) up Pawtucket St, crossing a bridge (wide cement trail) over the Northern Canal to the intersection of Pawtucket St & Father Morissette Blvd. The wide cement trail continues alongside Pawtucket St, past an overlook, to the University Ave Bridge at 1.6 miles. Another overlook of the Northern Canal here.

Note; The Father Morissette Blvd BIKE LANE starts here and travels Southeast, along the Southern Side of the Northern Canal to Arcand Dr after 0.6 miles.

This next section is on-road (narrow shoulder/sidewalk available) Continue Southwest, along Pawtucket St to School St. Turn right, North, along School St and you'll come to the Northern Canal at 2 miles.

Note; On your right, is where the Northern Canal Walkway (Bikes not allowed) emerges. [See; Northern Canal Walkway Below]

Note; On your right, a narrow cement trail leads to the Lowell Grotto (religious monument).

Note; You may access the Merrimack River Trail: Vandenberg Esplanade along the Northern Side of the river, by following the pedestrian path across the Northern Canal & Merrimack River to Route 113. [See; Merrimack River Trail: Vandenberg Esplanade Below]

A cross-light here takes you over School St to the ***Northern Canal Gatehouse.

Note; A white gate leads down to an overlook of the Pawtucket Dam & Falls, as well as, a walkway around a Lock and the gatehouse. To your left is the 1847 Gatekeepers House.

From the ***Northern Canal Gatehouse; Travel South, on-road (sidewalk available) back to Pawtucket St. Turn right, Southwest, on-road (narrow paved path/sidewalk) and travel down Pawtucket St to the mouth of the Pawtucket Canal at 2.3 miles.

Note; Spur #4. I haven't checked out this section. Left, South, the paved Pawtucket Canal Trail travels along the Eastern Side of the Canal, passing by a playground, the Bartlett Skatepark & sports fields. This brings you to a set of stairs up to Clare St at 0.25 miles. Next, travel right, on-road (One-Way residential) out to Broadway and head right, West, along a narrow paved trail, crossing over the Canal.

Note; Future plans call constructing a trail East, alongside the Pawtucket Canal. Nothing started as of 2024.

I've checked out this section. Turn right, North, along the stone-dust Pawtucket Canal Trail at 0.5 miles and travel along the Western Side of the Canal, through Francis Gate Park. This brings you to the 1852 Lock & Guardhouse. Very scenic. Porto-Potty located here. After checking out the Lock, continue through the well shaded park along the now paved trail. Return to Pawtucket St after a 0.8 mile Loop.

Merrimack River Trail; South Shore:

Continuing along Pawtucket St, pass by the Lowell Motor Boat Club and you'll come to Sheehy Memorial Park on your right. [Continuing Mileage] Here, the Merrimack River Trail; South Shore travels Southwest, through the park, alongside the river. Picnic tables located here. Pass by the Sheehy Memorial Park parking lot. After 2.7 miles, the trail then briefly utilizes the sidewalk along Pawtucket St, before returning along the rivers edge. Trail splits. Keep right. You reach the current end of the trail, where you Loop North, back alongside and out to Pawtucket S after 3 miles [4 miles including Spur #3+4].

Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore:

Starting from the Ouelette Bridge; You can access the Ouelette Bridge from the South Side of the river via the Merrimack River Trail; Lowell Riverwalk. See Above.

Note; From the North Side of the river you can park at the Island Street parking lot (next to sports fields). Follow Island St out to VFW Hwy where you can cross over to a Spur Trail down to the trail.

Heading Northwest; The paved Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore travels alongside the river with unobstructed views. If you look past the bend in the river you'll see the Power Canal flowing from the Hydroelectric Plant and Pawtucket Falls to the right of that. The trail ends after 0.3 miles just before Beaver Brook.

Heading left Southeast; The open paved Merrimack River Trail; Northeast Shore travels alongside the river with mostly unobstructed views. Good views of the Lawrence Mills, Tsongas Arena and Boott Cotton Mills across the river where the Lowell Riverwalk runs. Travel underneath Bridge Street and you'll pass by an access path at 0.7 miles, that leads up to the bridge. Next, travel underneath the Hunts Falls Bridge where the trail is more isolated. The trail then veers left up to the VFW Highway (Route 110) where it currently ends after 1.4 miles.

Merrimack River Trail; Vandenberg Esplanade:

Starting from the Southern Route 113 parking lot; The paved Merrimack River Trail: Vandenberg Esplanade passes here by the boat ramp.

Note; Heading West, the trail travels between the Merrimack River and parkland, traveling underneath Rourke Bridge before ending after 0.3 miles at Route 113.

Heading East, the trail travels around the Lowell UMass Boathouse and between the Merrimack River and narrow corridor of parkland before coming to the Northern Route 113 parking lot after 0.6 miles. Pass by the Sampas Pavilion and restrooms for Rynne Beach where the paved trail ends.

Note; The next section of the Esplanade continuing Northeast, is planned for an upgrade. Nothing started as of 2024.

A sidewalk continues Northeast, alongside Route 113 up to the Mammoth Road/School St Bridge at 1.1 miles.

Note; If you travel right, East, across the Mammoth Road/School St Bridge, you can access the Northern Canal Walkway. See; Above.

CLICK HERE FOR LOWELL NHP CANALWALK INNER MAP

CLICK HERE FOR LOWELL NHP CANALWALK OUTER MAP

CLICK HERE FOR LOWELL NHP; CANALWALK; INNER LOOP MAP

CLICK HERE FOR LOWELL NHP; CANALWALK; OUTER LOOP MAP

CLICK HERE FOR MERRIMACK RIVER TRAIL MAP

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