Explore the best rated trails in Medfield, MA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Swampscott Rail Trail and Spicket River Greenway . With more than 116 trails covering 666 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Not even really a rail trail. You are biking under double electric lines. There is no posting at the Pond Street entrance. Also, a quarter mile in, there is a no trespassing sign right on the trail so you have to take a longer loop around on surface streets to get back under the power lines. Not scenic at all. I've done about 18 trails throughout MA and NH and this is the worst trail I have been on. Why is this even listed here?
The trail has an excellent surface and made for an easy trip to the University for my wife and I. At the trail end we toured off trail thru the main campus before returning to the William C. O'Neill trail. Total distance of 6 miles. We rated it 4* because of the lack of interesting scenery (other than URI) and being fairly short.
Just did this trail today with my wife and 2 friends. We're all in our 70s. We had fun but were taken by surprise when we hit the end... the trail just ends and it's necessary to ride back a hundred yards to a road to get off the trail.
We plodded along the Lynnway to the traffic circle at Nahant Road then rode south along Nahant Beach to the Tides restaurant for beer, fried clams, and mussels. On the way back after lunch we rode on the hard-packed beach back to the traffic circle then worked our way back to the Northern Strand Community Trail back to where we parked at Rivergreen Park in Everett. We had too much sun and the rush hour was approaching so we skipped the ride over to the Encore Boston Harbor Casino.
The marshes were an unexpected surprise in this densely-populated area. We visited America's largest model train store. And the aroma of coffee and baked bread was so welcome.
Watch out for the electric scooters. The people riding them go too fast (and they don't wear helmets).
The reason I gave four stars and not five is the many road crossings and traffic lights. We found it helps to press the button to cross.
At the end of the trail, you'll be treated to a stunning view!
Get outta here. Put an asphalt trail down or stop wasting our time.
We have been riding this trail for at least seven years. I am surprised to be the first reviewer. Topsfield Linear Common trail is one of the most consistently scenic trails I have ridden in eastern Massachusetts. At some point it merges with the Danvers Rail Trail so maybe most of the reviews are there. On Saturday, we parked in Topsfield Center as usual, across from St. Rose of Lima Church (that is the easiest way to find the parking lot via GPS) and decided to go north, which in the past was not at all finished and became quickly impassable. But to our surprise, work had been done on this part of the trail since we last checked, so we were able to ride the full two miles to the end in Boxford. You can't go any further because Rte. 95 is in front of you. In Topfield, it is still a narrow packed dirt trail, but the grass on both sides has been mowed. When you cross over to Boxford, the trail becomes small gravel. At the very end, for a short distance, it reverts to dirt track.
We returned to Topsfield and rode south. You pass the fairgrounds, then the Ipswich River, and The Wenham-Danvers swamp, which has a lovely .3 mile scenic scenic boardwalk through the swamp. We were probably on the Danvers trail by now. We went as far as the playground which purports to be in Wenham, and has a place to refill your water bottle as well as equipment for kids.
The part of the trail from here to the end of the Danvers trail is, to my mind, not so scenic, so I have stopped riding it.
The Mattapoisett Rail Trail goes along the ocean and over marshland. It is absolutely beautiful. Although short, it seamlessly merges into the Fairhaven Rail Trail almost out to Fort Phoenix. Highly recommended.
A lot of work has been done to this trail in the spring of 2024. Although most trails in this area took a hit due to bad weather, people have stepped up and cleaned and improved this trail considerably. Several washouts were repaired and the Mason section of the trail was graded and ruts were filled in. This is an easy trail with lots of things to see and explore. An old quarry with a great history is just off the main trail and worth exploring. The trail is well marked and easily assessable. There is ample parking at several spots along the trail.
A very nice paved 10 mile (one way) trip with plenty of birds & turtles. Park at Rivers Edge Parking to get started. Along the way the posted history is interesting, there are 3 large dams to check out and on this beautiful sunny day lots of wildlife. Once you get to Valley Falls area the trail ends and on-street begins. We continued on for maybe 2 miles but the signs were not consistent and the traffic was troublesome enough we turned back. Our rating only applies to the paved 10 mile section.
Trail is well maintained and great for walking/running or biking. It’s all paved and cuts across residential areas of Rockland and Abington. The trail is mostly shaded by trees. Very pleasant
It's a nice path, don't get me wrong, but people are trashy as hell. First of all, if this is labelled as a bike path, don't tell walkers to walk against bikers. Also, there's trash everywhere and dog crap on the actual path. Whoever lived in that area takes this path for granted and it shows. I would be thrilled to have a path like that near me. Pick up after yourselves - JC!
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