By ferris in August, 2010
The split is not marked, but simply follow the chain link fence at the power substation and it will lead you to the other arm.
By boldog in May, 2010
The trail gets less defined as you travel on it from Salem to Swampscott. I could tell when it turns around after the forks at the midway point in Marblehead but there are no mile markers or a sign to confirm the other end. When it gets tight so that it's only good for walking it's time to turn around.
Nice trail though; no standing water; pretty flat. If you get off the trail at any point you will probably find a beach or shop. I'm from Connecticut but I love coming to this area.
By glenzx in May, 2009
As a recent transplant to Marblehead, I'd note that the trail has been moderately 'updated' with an all-weather crusher refines type surface (gray hard-packed gravel) and is generally in good shape. The street crossings, even at busier roads - are no problem, as most drivers stop and yield to the trail users, even if cycling. The folks in Swampscott, MA are pushing to extend the trail along the same RR right-of-way and bring the trail all the way down to 'Walker Street'. See their website at http://spirit01907.org/ for more information. The Swampscott continuation would put the trail very close to the Swampscott MBTA Commuter Rail stop.
My 2 1/2 year old boy is learning how to ride his bike on these great trails, and all the parks and open spaces - as well as natural areas - are a nice break from the two-wheeled lessons. It'd be great to see more of the trail / right of way developed!
By Fletch in September, 2006
Started at Seaview Drive and headed east. You are in back yards much of the time and cross streets a lot. Not paved except for about a Mile at the end of the spur to Salem. Nice views and a lot to see in Marblehead. I missed the turn to the spur just before the bridge. The spur is more remote and goes thru some conservation areas before ending at the Salem College and Rt.1A
By in July, 2004
"This is a woodsy ride on a ""rustic"" bike path - with soft gravel, lots of stones and in places quite narrow. Would be a gem if it were paved. "
By Steve Kranish in June, 2001
"The Marblehead rail-trail has a surface of packed fine gravel. It is suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes, but not pure road bikes. In some places the surface does get a bit rough, especially at the junction near downtown Marblehead, where local DPW trucks may use the trail.
The trail is typical railroad grade, so it is easy for a child to bicycle. The surface is more benign than asphalt, so I chose this trail to teach my children how to ride their bikes without training wheels. I flipped up one training wheel, and ran along next to them (easy to do if you are in shape for it..) so I could catch them if they started to fall. A few hours of work over several weekends, and they were on their own. It was a nice, safe place to do this.
Trail traffic is typically bicycles, runners, and dog-walkers. Most of the trail in Marblehead is densely wooded; the branch to Swampscott is more open, and in some places follows a street."