Explore the best rated trails in Swampscott, MA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Southern New England Trunkline Trail and Heritage Trail (NH) . With more than 100 trails covering 556 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.
Great trail to ride on, well maintained crushed stone path. We got on at mile 13.4 in Portsmouth and rode to mile 6.8 then turned around and headed back. A lot of tree coverage which is nice for shade but not much variation in scenery. Not sure if there is more to see further south on the trail. That being said, it’s still a great place to get outside and exercise!
Smooth cider trail all bikes, well signed, 3 road crossings well marked, full canopy not a lot to see except Hampton Airfield. Recommend stopping at Airfield after riding at restaurant and watch small planes.
...we rode the western part... (is there a tool to edit a review?)
We rode the eastern part of the trail today, starting at the CT/MA border towards Douglas. The first 6-8 mls are well maintained and a good ride even with a street bike. Nice scenery, too. But then things get worse around Douglas. Rough surface with crushed stone, sand and deep puddles after a rainfall (like today). Looks like the track has not been maintained in a while and detoriates. A mountain bike is a big plus and highly recommended in some parts of the trail. Was a good ride though but do not expect a smooth one.
We are bike-packing across the country with e-bikes. A good rail trail is such a nice escape from the road traffic - this one was a delight. Mostly solid packed surface, smooth, a few muddy spots. Very scenic with a mix of woods and wetlands. Watch your head on the tunnels. Highly recommend!
This is described as a 3.5 mile section but we only went about half way to the dam from the Stanley Mill. It is passable on bikes but has roots and larger stones along the stone path. It's really more a walking trail. The farm mentioned in the description was an interesting side visit and had very nice bath & water facilities. However, for a great biking experience the 10 mile section starting at Woonsocket is paved and a far more pleasant ride.
Just rode the trail south to the Sudbury line. The east west trail is finished to the west for another 8 miles. It connects to the Hudson Trail at the end.
Ran on this trail in the winter and was great! Very comfortable for running :)
Rode the two sections of this beautiful trail today. From the parking spot in the middle of the Ware trail towards Gilbertville is a nice ride along the river. But a short one. Opposite the old factory the trail suddenly ends and there are handwritten signs "Stop, Don´t go further, Private property..." It would only take a few yards to reach the next road to travel on towards Gilbertville. No chance. Shame on you, property owners! (The trailmap shows a way through, but that might be an error?)
Okay, same way back and on to Route 32 past Gilbertville, where the next trailhead is waiting;-)
Smooth surface, well maintained and even good for kids bikes and flat all the way to Wheelwright. 3 nice old bridges. This is one is fully recommended! Absolutely worth it.
Rode this trail several times since mid-September. It is a nice length - 8 miles so not too long for a round trip. It is a new trail with all crushed stone, and it is a straight run and sufficiently wide. The scenery is typical woods. The trail crosses roads 2-3 times that are not too busy and all have lights. The parking lot, which is immediately south of the Airfield Café, is a decent size. The northern part of the trail ends by Route 1. Although I have not done it, you should be able to find your way into the city of Portsmouth from here using Islington St. or Middle Rd.
This trail is a mixed bag. I mean literally you can expect to see everything from nice paved road, to chunky, rocky eroded sand, and everything in between. A fair amount of light gravel and packed clay and dirt for fast gravel riding. some sandy parts where you’d benefit from a wider tire. some chunky rocks and eroded sections. If you’re doing the whole thing, gravel or hybrid bike at the least. Wider tires and suspension are recommended. I did this on a gravel bike with relatively narrow all terrain tires and it was great most of the time but definitely not optimal for the roughest sections. overall this ia great trail to learn gravel riding and test your bike’s capabilities.
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