Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Salem, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I haven't been on this trail for a few years so was disappointed to find there is still an issue with bumps from tree roots and small sink holes. I did not do the entire trail because of this. It is too bad because it is a nice trail.
Rode this trail today (7/17/26) in combination with several other adjacent trails. Smooth, well-paved, lots of rest stops, beautiful marsh lands, continued onto the Clipper City trail at the southern end in Newburyport. One of the nicest trails I've ridden.
Assabet is a 5 mile or so paved trail in good shape. We started at 72 Jefferson St. in Marlborough, MA where there was plenty of parking spaces and a path to the trail. The Assabet is pretty much a city/suburb experience with a few road crossings that need to be executed with care. Just recently it has been joined in Hudson by the 7 mile spanking brand new Hudson to Sudbury Trail (part of the Mass Central Rail Trail system). Then, in Sudbury the Bruce Freeman trail joins making for all sorts of possibilities for some great rides. My wife and I plan next time to park in Sudbury at the spot where the Bruce Freeman and Hudson to Sudbury connect (there's parking near) and make our riding choices from there.
It was a warm summer day. We were one of two cars in the almost empty trailhead parking lot. The trail was cool and mostly in the late afternoon shade. There was enough space to ride bikes next to each other or walk 3 across. The gravel is not so deep as to slow you down. We saw two deer meander through a field. A great time was had by all.
Parked at Herring Cove Beach for free with our America the beautiful Senior lifetime pass. What an amazing trail! We got an early start so we did not encounter very many people at all. It was a brilliant cool summer morning on a beautiful trail. Up there as one of the best trails we’ve ever done and we ride all over the country. Of course we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t have an E bike being seniors, but it was a piece of cake. Beautiful scenery ranging from sand dunes to deep forest! 12.6 miles total for the day with a few side trips. We later took our chairs to the beach at the opposite end of the parking lot and watched seals playing and the tide go out for an amazing day. I would put pictures up, but it seems very difficult to get a picture on this site. Don’t miss this one!
Pleasant ride on this crushed stone surface, using my hybrid. Very short section that still has rails and ties and requests that bikes go around on the sidewalk, but easily joins back up to the actual trail after about 100 yards. The eastern end terminates in the Squannacook wildlife management area, with walking trails to follow down toward the river. If you are looking for a nice short ride that's under 10 miles total, this is a good one to choose. Stop for a bite at the local diner in Townsend center, or an ice cream.
The trail in the north is 80-90% full sun exposure in the summer. Just be aware if you're going out for a long run. It did start to get shady about 2 miles after the skate park.
I have been going to different trails around my area and this was by far the nicest even with no pavement just a nice ride
I parked at Lexington lot & took my atb after reading how rough the path is. Pleasantly surprised. I'll take my road bike next time.
This was such a beautiful ride. Didn’t mind the small section of gravel. Wish users were a little more courteous, don’t leave dog poop filled bags on trail, (there were a few on path ¿), and if you’re scootering by, please slow down or give verbal warning. Two scooters raced by me and I had not heard them coming. It was alarming how fast they were going. Most users were very friendly and courteous. I appreciated that.
As of June 1, 2026, the first half of this trail starting in Bedford, MA is nice, but due to construction, it stops about halfway - I believe somewhere in Lexington. You can choose to exit the trail and go onto Massachusetts Avenue to ride in the bike lane, but that involves riding right alongside traffic and can be very stressful and dangerous. My husband and I did this today and I don't think I will do this again. At any point, someone in a parked car adjacent to where you are riding can open up their door right into you. Also, the bike lane often shares a lane with cars and is pretty scary for people not used to this. I hope the rest of the Minuteman bike path opens up to bikers again soon!
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