Walk at Mine Falls Park

Mine Falls Park is one of the most instantly recognizable and vital parts of the city of Nashua. The park is located in the heart of the city and was purchased in 1969 with city and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) monies. The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands, and open fields; it is bordered on the north by the Nashua River and on the south by the Millpond and canal system.

The name "Mine Falls" derives from the 1700s, when low-quality lead was supposedly mined from the island below the falls. In the early 1800s, the potential of the Nashua River to drive the wheels of industry was recognized. Workers used shovels and mules to dig the three-mile-long canal, which provides a vertical drop of 36 feet at the mills.

The Gatehouse near the falls was built in 1886 - with the first gates being built in 1826 - and it still brings the river to the Millpond. Currently, the gatehouse is the focus of a middle school student-led restoration project. The hydroelectric plant near the falls was built in 1984.

In 1987 the Nashua River Canal and the Nashua Manufacturing Company Historic District (the Millyard) were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1992 the park trails were designated part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail system, which extends 130 miles along the Merrimack River from Massachusetts to Canada.

Directions: 

To reach the Mine Falls Gatehouse/Dam trailhead from US 3/Everett Turnpike, take Exit 5W, and merge onto SR 111/W. Hollis St., heading west. Go 0.5 mile. Turn right onto Riverside St., and in several hundred feet, turn left onto Stadium Dr. Go 0.2 mile, and follow signs to Mine Falls Park. You will turn right and pass Stellos Stadium on your left before entering the park. After passing the boat launch on your left, look for trail parking on your left near the gatehouse.

To reach the Whipple St. trailhead from US 3 S/Everett Turnpike, take Exit 5E if coming from the north, and merge onto SR 111/W. Hollis St. After crossing over the highway, immediately turn right to get on US 3N/Everett Turnpike. Take Exit 5A and follow signs for Simon St. Turn left onto Simon St., and go 0.2 mile. Turn left onto Whipple St., and go another 0.2 mile to the park entrance and parking.

Hike Details:

Difficulty: Easy

Total Mileage: 1.96 miles following the green path

Total Time: Approx. 1 - 1.5 hours depending on pace and amount of breaks.

What to Bring:

• Hiking boots or shoes with good traction.
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Water
• Snacks and food
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Socks, base layer (top and bottom), and any other weather-appropriate clothing

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