Independence Greenway:
Massachusetts
Trail Map
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Description:
The Independence Greenway runs 4.6 miles between Russell Street near the Ipswich River and the North Shore Mall on Route 128. The trail is mostly continuous except for one on-road segment between Peabody Road and Lt. Ross Park. From the park follow Johnson Street to Lowell Street, under US 1 and I-95, and Peabody Road. This 1.4-mile on-street portion does have heavy traffic and some hills. A sidewalk is available.

The rail-trail follows the abandoned Salem and Lowell Railroad and offers nice views. It passes by wetlands and ponds that are home to herons, swans and other wildlife.

NOTE: Blasting takes place during summers every Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Aggregate Industries Quarry. If you hear 1 horn sound, blasting will take place in 5 minutes. If you hear 2 horn sounds, blasting is imminent so plug your ears and stay away.

The trail is open daily from dawn to dusk.

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Parking & Trail Access:
You can access the Independence Greenway at the North Shore Mall trailhead, near 1 Essex Center Drive next to the parking lot for Lahey Clinic Peabody. Face the mall and follow the hospital signs (H) to the trailhead.

Trailheads are also found at Lt. Ross Park, Russell Street, Peabody Road, Albert Road and Lowell Street. See the local map for more details (to the right under "Related Links").

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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heavy traffic
By bkvaal in April, 2012
This is a very nice trail, well paved and scenic. We parked in the Lahey lot, no issue.

The problem is crossing under rt 95 on Lowell St, a very busy intersection with lots of cross traffic even mid day on a thursday. Perhaps the best thing is to skip the southern portion and ride up into MIddleton instead.
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: North Shore Mall on Rt. 128 to Russell St. at the Ispwich River
Counties: Essex
Trail Length: 7.4 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016009

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Guidebook: Learn more about other New England rail-trails in RTC's New England Guidebook.
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