By peteh in May, 2012
A compacted stone dust surface was completed in the 4th quarter of 2011 from Washington St. Topsfield through the Wenham section to the Danvers town line where a rougher stone surface continues on through to Peabody. Danvers expects to install a compacted stone dust surface this summer (2012).
After passing the Topsfield Fairgrounds heading south the route becomes quite scenic passing over the Ipswich River and through the Wenham Swamp which is part of Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. A good area to watch birds and beavers.
http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Ipswich_River/index.php
By kshort53 in November, 2011
Trail starts at Washington St. proceeds past the post office, crosses Rte1, past Topsfield Fair grounds, along the Ipswich River, over the river on an old railroad bridge, past a marshy area, crosses Rte97, passing more marsh, past the Choate Farm and continues on the Danvers rail trail. Trail becomes secluded after crossing Rte1. Topsfield end starts out as very hard packed gravel then transitions to stone dust and then to untreated railbed (after crossing Rte97) minus the crushed stones. Eventually came to a very muddy section in Danvers (approximately 4 miles) and turned around. Great riding on mountain or hybrid bikes with plenty of views of the Ipswich River and surrounding marsh. Expect plenty of birds in the warmer months. Compliments to Topsfield, Wenham and Danvers on there efforts.