Topsfield Linear Common

The northern end of the Topsfield Linear Common is not directly accessible as it dead ends in the woods. Access the trail mid-route or from its southern end, where it has a seamless connection with the Danvers Rail Trail.

From its southern end on Topsfield Rd/MA-97 (just southeast of the Topsfield border), the Topsfield Linear Common continues north through the woods.

In about a mile from its southern end, the rail-trail connects with the Salem-Beverly Canal. Also known as the Grand Wenham Canal, this trail offers a scenic and peaceful side excursion as it heads southeast along a canal built in 1917.

Curving northwest, the rail-trail crosses the Ipswich River via a pedestrian/cyclist bridge with a boardwalk surface and sturdy railings. The Topsfield Linear Common then crosses High Street/MA-97 and runs through the center of Topsfield.

North of Washington Street, the trail transitions back to a more wooded and secluded experience, and you’ll come across hiking trails that connect to the main trail. After crossing Washington Street, you only have 2.4 miles to go. In this final leg, the width of the path narrows and the surface becomes packed dirt, so this section is better suited for bikes with wider tires. The trail's northern end is a dead end as it approaches I-95.

Note that the Topsfield Linear Common permits equestrian use, though the Danvers Rail Trail section does not.

The Topsfield Linear Common is part of the Border to Boston Trail, a developing trail network that will stretch 70 miles between the MA-NH state line and Boston. The Border to Boston Trail is itself a part of the East Coast Greenway, a connected network of trails that will stretch from Maine to Florida when complete.

Parking and Trail Access

At the southern end of the trail on Topsfield Rd/MA-97 (just south of Topsfield border), there is a gravel parking lot.

Mid-trail, there is a small gravel parking area as the trail crosses Boston Street/Newburyport Turnpike/US-1; a larger linear paved parking lot along Park Street between Summer Street and Main Street; and a paved parking lot at the small park by the Proctor City Elementary School (off Grove St, just south of Gail St).

Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.