Danvers Rail Trail

The Danvers Rail Trail follows the path of the historic Boston to Maine railroad that ran from Newburyport to Danvers. The 4.3-mile rail-trail has a surface of compacted stone dust and is part of the longer Border to Boston Trail.

At its southern end at the border between Peabody and Danvers, the multiuse trail picks up seamlessly from the Crowley Spur (also part of the Border to Boston Trail route). Access the southern end of the Danvers Rail-Trail behind the Danvers Indoor Sports (150 Andover St). The Danvers Rail Trail curves northeast through a quiet wooded area dotted with wildflowers. Crossing Beaver Brook via a new timber bridge, the rail-trail winds through downtown Danvers and continues north through woods and wetlands. The route passes Putnamville Park (9 Wenham St), which has a playground, a picnic area, a bike repair station, a bike rack, a drinking fountain, a porta potty, a little free library, and a small parking area.

Offering a short alternative route to the main trail, the SwampWalk is a 0.3-mile stroll across boardwalks that takes you on an immersive journey into the heart of the Wenham Great Swamp. You many encounter turtles, frogs, ducks, fox, deer, and turkeys. The horseshoe-shaped SwampWalk will deposit you back on the main trail.

In addition to a variety of recreational opportunities, the rail-trail also provides an important transportation link for the surrounding communities—connecting parks, residential areas, local businesses, schools, and more. The Danvers Rail Trail is managed and maintained by a group of community volunteers.

Plans for the trail include a west to east extension. Splitting off from the north-south route between Pickering Street and Putnam Street, the extension will head west and connect with the Middleton Rail Trail. Currently, there is only a grass and dirt path. The surface will be packed stone dust pack and will be completed in stages, with the finished surface of first section expected Summer 2023.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available behind the Danvers Indoor Sports (150 Andover St), at Tapleyville Park (139 Pine St), in a public lot by the fish market (26 Hobart St), and at Putnamville Park (9 Wenham St).