The Danvers Rail Trail follows the historic Newburyport Railroad that used to carry goods and passengers between Danvers and Boston in the late 1800s. The abandoned corridor extends just over 5 miles from Peabody north through the heart of Danvers and on to State Rt. 97 at the Wenham town line, where it meets the
Topsfield Linear Common and Wenham Rail-Trail.
You can access the trail from the Choate Farm Conservation Area, established in the early 20th century and now featuring a peach orchard, open grasslands, places to picnic and woodland trails that lead to the Danvers Rail Trail. Be sure to check out the Danvers Swampwalk, an elevated boardwalk across a large wetland area with observation platforms to enjoy the natural surroundings; reach it by going north on the rail-trail.
Signage along the route is planned to commemorate and share the importance of the railway to the surrounding towns. The rail-trail is still being developed so expect rough gravel and dirt surfaces.
The trail is easily accessable at the southern trailhead behind the Danvers Indoor Sports arena (105R Anderson Street) just off SR 114 near the intersection with I-95. Parking is available in the arena parking lot. You can also parking at the Choate Farm Conservation Area (401 Locust Street) near the northern end of the trail in Danvers. Mid-trail, you'll find a parking lot on Hobart Street, just south of Maple Street in downtown Danvers.
An 18 mile round trip ride can be accomplished by starting at Lowell St. (no trail signs) in Peabody (Bonkers/CVS) at the southern end and continue through Danvers, Wenham while ending at Topsfield center at the northern end. Danvers has added crosswalks ...
The scenery was gorgeous and the ground was even and good to ride a bike on. the only thing that was a bit stressful and not well thought out was some of the road crossings on the busy streets. The curbs were not lowered and there wasn't a pedestrian ...
Finally, I had the chance to walk the trail with my two dogs, Shadow (husky) and Murphy (coon hound lab mix). We began our trek at the entrance before McKinnon's Market in Danvers and headed North to the very end at 97. A beautiful Sunday afternoon. There ...