A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Ayer, Massachusetts

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary Loop

Hike Route

Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary Loop

Birding
easy
3.37 mi
+261 ft
Farandnear Loop

Hike Route

Farandnear Loop

Birding
easy
1.97 mi
+162 ft
Fruitlands Museum Loop

Hike Route

Fruitlands Museum Loop

Birding
easy
2.04 mi
+213 ft
Nashua River and Oxbow Loop

Hike Route

Nashua River and Oxbow Loop

Birding
easy
1.95 mi
+31 ft
Kennedy Pond Loop

Hike Route

Kennedy Pond Loop

Birding
easy
1.51 mi
+31 ft
Lincoln Woods Wildlife Sanctuary Loop

Hike Route

Lincoln Woods Wildlife Sanctuary Loop

Birding
easy
1.09 mi
+47 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Wapack and Back

Hike Route

Wapack and Back

Birding
strenuous
41.05 mi
+9,225 ft
Ware River Rail Trail

Hike Route

Ware River Rail Trail

Historical
moderate
12.87 mi
+297 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Groton Town Forest Loop Trail

Hike Route

Groton Town Forest Loop Trail

River/Creek
moderate
7.08 mi
+431 ft
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge + Rail Trail

Hike Route

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge + Rail Trail

Less Crowded
easy
9.28 mi
+89 ft
Two Rod Road and Davis Corridor

Hike Route

Two Rod Road and Davis Corridor

Lake
easy
6.51 mi
+241 ft
Eight Mile Tour

Hike Route

Eight Mile Tour

strenuous
7.18 mi
+919 ft
Wapack Trail to Mount Watatic and Pratt Mountain

Hike Route

Wapack Trail to Mount Watatic and Pratt Mountain

Views
strenuous
8.56 mi
+1,722 ft
Purgatory Falls Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Purgatory Falls Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
5.04 mi
+377 ft