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.
Parking and 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").
Western part more scenic
By
mvfer
in
April, 2013
Out on a fine 70 degree day. Parked near the
Eastern end near the hospital. Good parking, direct access to the trail. Trail is fully paved and marked with center line. Mostly people walking on the section near the hospital.
The off trail (on road) ...
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Nice trail but not so great.
By
mscrazy1k
in
October, 2012
I went today as it turned out to be beautiful weather, mid 70's and clear, after rain all night long. This trail is nice but it is short. It is 6.2 miles not 7.4 miles which is a bummer because I coordinated a bike ride with other people and we like to ...
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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 ...
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