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Print Friendly MapMethuen Rail Trail connects three communities in northeastern Massachusetts as it follows the route of the former Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad.
The rail-trail's northern end begins in Salem at the state's border with New Hampshire. From there, the trail heads south through Methuen and crosses the Nevins Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot hawks, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, ducks, and many other types of birds in the park's woodland, marsh, and meadow habitats.
About a half-mile farther, you'll pass a relic of the trail's rail history, the Methuen Railroad Depot, which was built in 1907 and sits at the corner of Union and Railroad Streets.
The trail ends at Manchester Street Park in Lawrence, where you'll find a playground, picnic tables, and a connection to the Spicket River Greenway.
The trail is paved from end-to-end.
Parking is available at the northern end of the trail at Hampshire Road in Salem. Farther south, parking is available at the Methuen Railroad Depot (on the corner of Railroad and Union Streets) and at Manchester Street Park (77 Manchester Street) in Lawrence.
Just ran this course today for the 1st time nice and flat well paved. There is a short parking lot at the top of the trail head behind ihop. Well marked and offers great scenery the bird sanctuary and views of the spicket river.
awesome trail to work and train my dogs, only suggestion I have is trash barrels. There's only 1 in the middle. Should really have a handful or so spread out which would help keep it clean.
I like the trail it was paved and comfortable to walk my dog on but during this time of Quarantine I understand about getting out and stretching your legs taking a little walk on the trail with the trail was pacby ked cram packed with people kids other dogs used
Project is just about done. parking lot at the depot still being worked on but from Lawrence to Salem NH all paved. southern portion of the trail still a little trashy off the trail but major improvement to say the least.
The Lawrence end of the trail is trashed, need a good cleaning, methuen part of the is really nice
Found this trail last week and have really enjoyed it. Methuen section is very clean but the Lawrence area isn't, I'm hoping they plan on working on it.
The crushed stone is too big for fine bike tires and a little uncomfortable to ride, the Methuen part is clean and spacious but Lawrence and Salem are full of weeds the hung on the path making riding difficult.
A lots of animals crossing the path, skunks in particular.
I love to have a trail in my own city but I am afraid
to use it because it is deserted and visited by skunks.
Can they do anything to cut the weeds and get the skunks away? Does any of the cities involved have a group that volunteers to clean the path?
Please let me know I would gladly join a group to help.
Thank you Piera
My wife and Jack Russell went with me. I am confined to a wheel chair at this time. I found it very handicapped friendly. Some interesting birds in the area. I was glad I brought my binoculars. We plan to visit again in the fall. Thank you
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