Nashua River Trail: We just discovered the Nashua River Trail that runs from Ayer, MA, to Hollis, NH. This 12 mile trail was just finished in October, 2002. Very scenic country with the river, lakes, streams and farm country, but as it's an old railroad bed it's very flat. On May 11, 2003 my wife biked and I roller skied from Pepperil to Groton and back. The following day we went from Hollis towards Ayer.

The pavement is superb, about 9 feet wide. Best for double poling as there are no hills. I did some skating and classic with the speed reducers engaged. L. Johnson

The Minute Man Bike Path, that runs from Somerville to Bedford ( approx. 15 K one way ) is good. Can be a little boring, though. Can get heavily used by bikers, walkers, skaters etc... Early morning is best ( before 9 AM ) or on cold or cloudy days. M.V.W.

Roller Skiing in Boston : The Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain (on the Jamaica way / Rte. 203 ) offers a 10k loop of traffic free roller skiing with two good hills ( one the highest point in Boston ) in a nice setting. Pavement is moderate to good. With crossing some roads the route can be extended using bike paths along Jamaica pond and the Emerald Necklace. The newly landscaped and paved paths around the Olmstead Pond also provides a short loop with a variety of terrain transitions. Cam Kerry

Charles River: I have a place I like to roller ski here in Boston Massachusetts. It's primarily for city dwellers who don't have the time or the resources to go out of the city to some of the better or longer places. Along the Charles River bike path is a pretty good place to go. Excellent pavement, rather flat, and if you go at the right times (early morning, or in the Fall / Winter) is not all that crowded. Peter Sokol - Hessner

Hopkinton State Park (Of Boston Marathon Fame). Enclosed Loop after October 15 th. Good hills and options to connect up with surrounding Roads for longer loops. Bob Fitzpatrick

Andover, North Andover, Boxford:

There are plenty of good Roads in the Anover, North Andover and Boxford area to roller ski on for over 3 hours with no repeating. J.D.

Cambridge: The Cambridge Cemetery is across the street from the better known Mt. Auburn Cemetery and allows roller skiing. The Terrain is gently rolling and pavement quality is pretty good. You can get a twenty minute figure eight. J.P.

Newton : In Newton, Commonwealth Avenue has a local - access only carriage road that parallels the main Rd. The terrain is great with some fairly significant hills (the route goes over "heartbreak hill" ) There is some occasional traffic, but it is generally slow moving. J.P.

Amherst : Norwottuck Rail Trail is good for roller skiing. Can be a bit boring ( it's rather flat ), but the pavement is good and there are few intersections with roads. It's relatively long, with extensions provided by other trails ( there expanding at the moment ) and the surrounding roads. P.S.H.

Cape Cod : I grew up in Maine where the only living things you see on an early morning rollerski were deer and moose. I have found a few good places to roller ski on Cape Cod so if you are visiting, bring along your poles and wheels.

1- Cape Cod Canal has paved paths on both sides, very flat, but generally not too busy and great scenery.

2- Yarmouth has an excellent roller ski area on paths near Bayberry Hills Golf Course.

3- Dennis to Brewster. You can roller ski on a significant paved path from Dennis to Brewster and beyond, fairly flat and crosses a few roads. Rob Miller.

Martha's Vineyard: An unlikely place to roller ski is the Martha's Vineyard State Forest in the middle of the island. Sure, it's a ferry ride from the mainland, but there are something like ten miles of very well paved bike paths in the woods with no road crossings or traffic of any type. The only problem is, it's pretty flat... best for fast skating or double poling. The island also features a 6 mile bike path along the main road from Edgartown to Vineyard Haven which has moderately hilly terrain, ideal for classic workouts, but is more crowded and often quite sandy. Greg Balco, University of Washington.